Effect of molybdenum deficiency on the growth and metabolism of corn plants raised in sand culture

Abstract

Molybdenum deficiency decreased the dry matter yield, tissue concentration of molybdenum, and chlorophyll content of corn (Zea mays L. cv. T.41) plants. Compared with the normal (control) plants, leaves of molybdenum-deficient plants had significantly lower activities of nitrate reductase, catalase, aldolase, and alanine aminotransferase and higher activities of peroxidase, β-glycerophosphatase, and ribonuclease. Within 72 h of supplying molybdenum (50 μM) to molybdenum-deficient plants, chlorophyll concentration, soluble protein, and activities of nitrate reductase, catalase, and alanine aminotransferase showed considerable recovery but the increase in the peroxidase activity was further enhanced. Supply of molybdenum to molybdenum-deficient plants did not significantly affect the activity of aldolase, ribonuclease, and β-glycerophosphatase.