Acid Phosphatases Activity and Growth of Barley, Oat, Rye and Wheat Plants as Affected by Pi Deficiency

Method: Plants were cultured three weeks in a nutrient media: complete (control, +P) or without phosphorus (-P). The growth on -P medium significantly affected the inorganic phosphate (Pi) content in plants tissues. Pi deficit decreased shoots growth but ratio of root/shoot was higher for -P plants when compared to control. The root elongation was enhanced under Pi deficiency in -P oat and barley more intensive elongation was observed than in other plants. On the other hand, inhibition of shoot growth was more pronounced for -P rye and wheat. Pi-deficient plants showed higher activity of acid phosphatases in tissue extracts and in exudates from roots than +P plants.