Centaurium littorale was cultured under various conditions of nutrient availability, salinity and pH. The mineral composition of the experimental plants and of plants from a field site was investigated. The highest relative growth rate observed was 0.02 mg.mg.⁻¹ day⁻¹ and the shoot: root ratio was 0.8. Optimal growth occurred at very low nutrient availability. Suction tensions below 7 atm had no strong effect on the growth rate. There was a marked accumulation of NaCl in the tissues without a negative effect on the uptake of nutrient ions. In the pH-range 7.7–4.8 growth was equal. In its growth physiology and mineral nutrition Centaurium littorale is well adapted to the habitat: the brackish and poor young dune soil.

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Volume20, Issue6

December 1971

Pages 577-588

GROWTH-PHYSIOLOGY, SALT-TOLERANCE AND MINERAL NUTRITION OF CENTAURIUM LITTORALE (TURNER) GILMOUR: ADAPTATIONS TO ITS OLYGOTHROPHIC AND BRACKISH HABITAT

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GROWTH-PHYSIOLOGY, SALT-TOLERANCE AND MINERAL NUTRITION OF CENTAURIUM LITTORALE (TURNER) GILMOUR: ADAPTATIONS TO ITS OLYGOTHROPHIC AND BRACKISH HABITAT

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