Abstract
Iron (Fe) deficiency is prevalent particularly in calcareous soils of arid and semiarid regions. The present study aimed to investigate the response of eight local maize genotypes to Fe deficiency. In addition, a Fe- efficient (WF9) and a Fe-inefficient (ys1) indicator genotypes were used in this study. All genotypes were grown in growth chamber for 21 days in two levels of Fe, sufficient [+Fe (FNS) = 20 µM Fe EDTA] and deficient [-Fe (FNS) = 2 µM Fe EDTA] Fe supply. Shoots dry weight, Fe concentration and uptake in shoots, active iron concentration, peroxidase activity and cholorophyll content were determined and their validities as screening parameters were discussed. Generally, genotype (WF9) as the Fe efficient indicator and genotype (34) were the less affected by Fe-deficiency. Genotype (ys1) as the Fe inefficient indicator and genotype (62) were highly affected when grown in the nutrient solution with the deficient Fe supply. The present study emphasize that shoot dry weight, Fe uptake, active Fe content, chlorophyll content and peroxidase activity could be used for evaluating the present maize genotypes for Fe efficiency.
Highlights
IntroductionCorrecting Fe deficiency through soil amendments and foliar sprays of Fe has been partially successful considering the fact that low availability rather than low total amount usually limits Fe uptake by plant roots
Fe deficiency can reduce maize grain yield by as much as 20% (Godsey et al, 2003)
Shoots dry weight of the present maize genotypes was used as a preliminary evaluation for the response to Fe deficiency (Table 1)
Summary
Correcting Fe deficiency through soil amendments and foliar sprays of Fe has been partially successful considering the fact that low availability rather than low total amount usually limits Fe uptake by plant roots. There are several solutions such as soil and foliar fertilization, crop systems, application of organic amendments to correct micronutrients deficiency and to increase their density in edible parts of plants. Micronutrient-efficient genotypes could provide a number of benefits such as reductions in the use of fertilizers, improvements in seedling vigor and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Genotypic variation for Fe efficiency and resistance to Fe Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) has been widely reported in maize and many plant species. Potential exists for improving maize plants for Fe efficiency by breeding. A simple, low cost and reliable screening procedure is required for breeding genotypes for Fe efficiency and IDC-resistance. Changes in Fe concentration, Fe uptake, active Fe content, chlorophyll content and peroxidase activity were examined in order to better understand the response triggered by iron starvation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
