Physiological and Nutritional Responses of ‘HB’ Pummelo [Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck ‘Hirado Buntan’] to the Combined Effects of Low pH Levels and Boron Deficiency

Abstract

Soil acidification and boron (B) starvation are two dominant abiotic stress factors impacting citrus production in the red soil region of southern China. To evaluate the combined effects of low pH and B deficiency on plant growth, gas exchange parameters, and the concentrations of B and other mineral nutrients, ‘HB’ pummelo seedlings were treated under B deficiency (0 μM H3BO3) or adequate B (23 μM H3BO3) conditions at various low pH levels (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0). The seedlings were grown with modified half-strength Hoagland’s solution under greenhouse conditions for 12 weeks. Plant biomass, leaf area, seedling height, and root traits were remarkably inhibited by low pH and B deficiency stresses, and these parameters were extremely reduced with the decrease in pH levels. After 12 weeks of treatment, typical stress symptoms associated with B deficiency in citrus leaf were observed, with more severe symptoms observed at pH 4.0 and 5.0 than at pH 6.0. Leaf gas exchange parameter measurements showed that leaf photosynthesis was significantly inhibited under both low pH and B-deficient conditions. Notably, the lower the pH level, the greater the inhibition under both normal and deficient B conditions. Further investigations of the mineral nutrient concentrations showed that under both low pH and B deficiency, the concentrations of B and other mineral nutrients were influenced remarkably, particularly at pH 4.0 and 5.0. The physiological and nutritional results of the ‘HB’ pummelo seedlings indicated that low pH can exacerbate the effects of B deficiency to a certain extent.