CHANGES IN MINERAL-CONTENT OF YOUNG MAIZE PLANTS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOME DICARBOXYLIC-ACID MONOESTERS

Young maize (Zea mays L.) plants, grown hydroponically in a greenhouse , were leaf sprayed with MEIA (beta-monomethyl ester of itaconic acid) , MESA (monoethyl ester of succinic acid), and MEAdA (monoethyl ester of adipic acid) at concentration 1250 ppm when the 4th leaf was fully- developed. The influence of these EDA (esters of dicarboxylic acid) on root/shoot ratio (RSR) and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassiu m (K) concentration, accumulation and efficiency was investigated. MEI A did not change the RSR, but MESA and MEAdA decreased it. EDA in most cases increased N, P, and K concentration and accumulation in the lea ves and total amount of these elements in the plants. On the contrary, MESA and MEAdA decreased or did not change content of the investigate d nutrient elements in the roots. Nitrogen physiological efficiency wa s affected by EDA treatment.