Uptake, subcellular distribution, and translocation of foliar-applied phosphorus: Short-term effects on ion relations in deficient young maize plants

One crucial aspect for successful foliar application is the uptake of the nutrient into the symplast for metabolization by the plant. Our aim was to determine the subcellular distribution of foliar-applied P in leaves, the translocation of this element within the whole plant, and its impact on the ion status of P-deficient maize plants within the first 48 h of treatment. Maize plants with P deficiency were sprayed with 200 mM KH2PO4. After 6, 24, and 48 h, the 5th leaf of each plant was harvested for the isolation of apoplastic washing fluid, cell sap, and vascular bundle sap and for the examination of transporter gene expression. The remaining tissues were divided into 4th leaf, older and younger shoots, and root for total P determination. No accumulation of foliar-applied P was measured in the apoplast. P was mostly taken up into the cytosol within the first 6 h and was associated with increased mRNA levels of PHT1 transporters. A strong tendency towards rapid translocation into the younger shoot and an increase in NO3− uptake or a decrease in organic acid translocation were observed. The apoplast seems to exert no effect on the uptake of foliar-applied P into the epidermal and mesophyll cells of intact leaves. Instead, the plant responds with the rapid translocation of P and changes in ion status to generate further growth. The effect of the absorbed foliar-applied P is assumed to be a rapid process with no transient storage in the leaf apoplast. •Foliar-applied P is not accumulated in the leaf apoplast under deficiency conditions in maize.•Foliar-applied P was mostly taken up into the cytosol of epidermal and mesophyll cells within the first 6 h.•Uptake of foliar-applied P was associated with increased mRNA levels of PHT1 transporters.•Translocation of foliar applied P occurs mainly within the first 24 h.•P foliar application increased the uptake of nitrate or decreased translocation of organic acids within the first 48 h.