Categorization of wheat genotypes for phosphorus efficiency

PLoS One. 2018 Oct 17;13(10):e0205471. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205471. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Production of phosphorus efficient crop cultivars can increase food productivity and decrease environmental pollution. Categorization of existing germplasm is a prerequisite to develop P efficient crop cultivars. For first experiment, 30 wheat genotypes were grown in hydroponics with two P levels (i.e., deficit, 20 μm KH2PO4 and adequate, 200 μm KH2PO4). Genotypes differed significantly for various P efficiency parameters. Two genotypes (Dirk and Bhakkar-02) showed < 25% decrease in growth at P deficiency. Genotype Seher-06 proved to be inefficient. Twelve selected genotypes based on the first experiment were sown in soil with two P levels (0 and 30 mg P kg-1) till maturity. As expected, genotypes differed for grain yield at both P levels. The efficient cultivars selected on the basis of both absolute and relative dry matter production at both P levels such as Dirk. Genotypes were grouped into three, four and nine classes on the basis of various parameters for P efficiency as proposed by different researchers. Most genotypes behaved in a similar fashion by different categorization methods and also at different P supply. The method to categorize the genotypes into three classes and plotting them into 9 classes proposed by Gill and his coworkers, is the best to differentiate the minor differences in genotypes. At least three different parameters at both P regimes should be used. The parameters may vary as per objectives of the study and/or growth conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Biomass
  • Genome, Plant
  • Genotype*
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Phosphorus / analysis
  • Phosphorus / metabolism*
  • Plant Leaves / genetics
  • Plant Leaves / growth & development
  • Plant Leaves / metabolism
  • Soil / chemistry
  • Triticum / genetics
  • Triticum / growth & development*
  • Triticum / metabolism

Substances

  • Soil
  • Phosphorus

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.