Foliar spraying of potassium gluconate promotes the synthesis of the seed oil of Styrax tonkinensis

Styrax tonkinensis is a promising woody biodiesel species. In this experiment, we investigated how foliar spraying of potassium gluconate solution affected the production of seed oil in S. tonkinensis. Leaf spraying of potassium gluconate solution appreciably promoted the photosynthesis of S. tonkinensis leaves through both the light reaction and the dark reaction. By boosting the activity of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and seed oil synthesis, foliar spraying of potassium gluconate solution also dramatically enhanced glucose metabolism and seed oil synthesis in the S. tonkinensis seeds. This indicates that foliar spraying with potassium gluconate solution discernibly improved the synthesis of seed oil in S. tonkinensis by encouraging the transit of photosynthetic products from the source to the reservoir and the flow of carbon into the seed oil synthesis in the seeds. Overall, the medium concentration of potassium gluconate solution (4 g/L) was found to be the most effective for increasing the oil content of S. tonkinensis seeds. While higher potassium gluconate solution concentrations (6 g/L) had a slight inhibitory effect on specific indicators (ACCase) during specific seed development periods. This study highlighted the importance of potassium for seed oil synthesis in woody plants and provided a useful foundation for future cultivation practices aimed at enhancing seed oil synthesis in woody plants.