Determination of chilling temperature effects on nutrient elements composition and distribution in cole (Brassica oleracea L. Cv. Acephala) using the WDXRF spectroscopic technique

Cole (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Acephala) is a naturally very hardy species to (at) chilling temperatures. It has been observed that the plant species can be viable even under snow during a cold winter. The cole seedlings were grown in soil for one month. Chilling temperatures were then applied to these seedlings under controlled conditions. These seedlings were subsequently, cut into root tip, root middle part, root upper part, hypocotyl, epicotyl, petiole and leaf and sampled randomly. Concentrations of inorganic elements (Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, and Mg) in the parts were measured by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry to test chilling temperature effects on nutrient accumulation and distribution within these seedlings. Results indicated that the distribution of some inorganic elements among organs (roots, stem and leaves) of cole plants is significantly altered by chilling stress. There was an association between chilling temperatures and distributions, and accumulations of Ca, Fe, P, Cl, S especially Si and Al in cole seedlings. In addition, the WDXRF technique is a simple, fast, economic and accurate tool for biological studies related to the determining of the amount of plant nutritions in ppm level.