Effects of fusicoccin and vanadate on proton extrusion and potassium uptake by rice

The effects of fusicoccin or vanadate on proton (H+) extrusion and potassium (K) uptake of four varieties of rice (oryza satiya L.) were studied. Two of them were improved varieties (IAC-47 and Agulha), with 70% genetic similarity. The two others were landraces (Bico Ganga and Piaui). Vanadate totally blocked H+-pumping activity while fusicoccin increased it. Potassium uptake was suppressed under vanadate but increased sharply under the fusicoccin treatment. The Piaui was the most affected by fusicoccin, while Agulha was the least affected. Under fusicoccin, Bico Ganga had a 48% increase in K uptake at the end of the experimental period in relation to the controls, while IAC-47 showed only a 17% increase. Taken together, for all varieties and treatments, there was a negative correlation between the final pH and the total K taken up by plants. This study suggests that some rice varieties need additional stimulation from external sources to express their full H+-pumping and K-uptake capabilities.