Interactive effects of zinc and boron on growth, photosynthesis, and water relations in pistachio

The effects of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on some physiological and biochemical characteristics of pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Badami) seedlings were evaluated in a greenhouse study. It was found that both high levels (10 and 20mg B kg(-1) soil) and also lack of B account for the reduction in growth and photosynthesis parameters, especially at low Zn levels. Moreover, Zn deficiency resulted in a reduction in the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance. However, the adverse effects of B deficiency and toxicity were alleviated by increasing Zn levels up to 10mg kg(-1) soil. In addition, provided that B and Zn are adequate, synergism can be observed between the two nutrients. This is because sufficient amounts B accelerated the effects of Zn by raising the plant dry weight, photosynthesis parameters, carbonic anhydrase activity, and chlorophyll contents. This increase was reported higher in comparison with Zn alone application. It was concluded that Zn may act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for mitigating the injury on biomembranes under B stress. Adequate concentration of Zn also prevents uptake and accumulation of excess B in leaf by increasing membrane integrity of root cells. Similarly, B application in adequate concentration plays an important structural role in the cell wall and influences a great variety of physiological processes in pistachio seedlings.