[Effect of potassium level on output and diosgenin content of Dioscorea zingiberensisg].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of potassium level on physiological characteristics and diosgenin content of Dioscorea zingiberensisg and provide experimental basis for proper use of potassium fertilizer.


METHODS
Field experiment including four potassium levels was carried out. The physiological characteristics of leaves were determined at different growth stages and the diosgenin content in bulk root was assayed after harvest.


RESULTS
Within the arrange of 0-180 kg K2SO4/hm2, the content of chlorophyll and amino acid, Fv/Fo, Fv/Fm, and phiPs II were increased with the increase in potassium level. Meanwhile, the ability to defense the damage caused by active oxygen was obviously enhanced. Further increase in potassium level resulted in the decrease in efficiency of potassium fertilizer.


CONCLUSIONS
It indicats that higher yield and diosgenin content can be obtained when the potassium level is 180 kg K2/hm2.
Zhao
Hui-jie
HJ
Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China. zhj303@sohu.com
Gao
Hong-mei
HM
Guo
Wen-ying
WY
Xie
Hui-ling
HL
Zhao
Li-fei
LF
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002734:Chlorophyll / Q000032:analysis; D027742:Dioscorea / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D004144:Diosgenin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005308:Fertilizers; D009584:Nitrogen; D010710:Phosphates; D010788:Photosynthesis; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development*; D011188:Potassium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D027343:Rhizome / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
D000596:Amino Acids; D005308:Fertilizers; D010710:Phosphates; D002734:Chlorophyll; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D004144:Diosgenin; D009584:Nitrogen; D011188:Potassium