Effects of Boron Nutrition on (45)~Ca Retranslocation and Distribution in Rape (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars

Using tracer techniques with the radioisotope 45Ca, the effects of boron supply from soil and nutrient solution on the retranslocation of 45Ca from leaves to other parts of rape plants were studied. Results indicated that only a small portion of foliar-applied 45Ca could be retranslocated to other parts of the rape plant. There was no pronounced effect of boron level in the soil on 45 Ca retranslocation. Increasing boron concentrations in the nutrient solution significantly reduced 45 Ca radioactivity in root and stem, but increased 45Ca uptake and 45 Ca translocation to the upper leaves of rape plants. It was suggested that45 Ca absorbed by newly developed roots was easily distributed to upper leaves of rape plants. Boron may alter distribution of calcium via its effect on root development or growth of newly developed roots.