Fertilizers and nutrient relations in some genotypes of cereals

The nutrient status of plants is jointly determined by internal genetic factors and external environmental factors. Plant nutrient contents are specifically characteristic of the stage of development, the species, variety or hybrid, the plant organ, and various parts or tissues of the organs. Among the external, abiotic factors, mineral nutrition or application of fertilizers has the greatest effect on the nutrient concentration in the majority of cases, within certain limits. Plant nutrient status is also significantly influenced by genetic factors, such as the capacity and dynamics of nutrient uptake, and the utilisation and distribution of assimilates; the majority of these properties are genetically controlled. In recent years many authors have concentrated on research into the nutritional peculiarities of various phenotypes1,2.