PJB-2022-46
Differential growth, mychorrhizal infection and zinc accumulation response of wheat genotypes at various phosphorus and zinc levels
Amanat Ali
Abstract
Improving grain zinc (Zn) content of wheat through agronomic approach has been identified as an efficient way to combat Zn malnutrition in humans. A pot study was carried out to evaluate the response of three wheat genotypes to different phosphorus (P) and Zn levels for grain yield and Zn accumulation. Three P levels (0, 90, 120 kg ha-1) and two Zn levels (0, 5 kg ha-1) were applied using CRD factorial combination. The study disclosed a differential response of wheat genotypes to various P and Zn doses. The combination of 5 kg Zn and 90 kg P ha-1 significantly improved yield (grain, and straw) and associated traits (number of spikelets per spike, spike length, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight), and thus proved as the most suitable combination for all wheat genotypes. Overall, higher dose of P (120 kg ha-1) reduced the grain Zn uptake and mychorrhizal root infection in all wheat genotypes and vice versa. The genotype TD-1 showed the maximum agronomic Zn efficiency (63.67 mg mg-1 Zn) at 5 kg Zn plus 90 kg P ha-1 as compared to other genotypes (NIA-WR1 and Chakwal-86). Likewise, application of 5 kg Zn ha-1 was found optimum to avail the maximum potential yield of Chakwal-86 at P level of 90 kg ha-1. The genotype NIA-WR1 accumulated the most Zn in its grains (675.15 µg pot-1) at 5 kg Zn plus 90 kg P ha-1. NIA-WR1 extracted the maximum Zn (44.26 µg g-1) in its grains without the application of exogenous Zn rendering it Zn efficient that could be cultivated on Zn deficient soils. It can utilize the indigenous soil Zn to achieve high grain Zn content. However, field evaluation of this genotype is necessary prior to general recommendations for wheat growers.
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