Selection of Inbred Lines for Breeding of Maize with High Efficiency in Iron Utilization

Abstract

Crops are often subjected to iron (Fe)-deficiency due to the limited solubility of this essential element in most neutral or basic soils. Developing cultivars with high efficiency in Fe utilization via breeding programs can provide solutions to this problem as a long term strategy. In the present study, to select inbred lines for breeding of maize with high efficiency in Fe utilization, we screened 123 inbred lines at the seedling stage by analyzing secretion pattern of phytosiderophores, a class of non-protein amino acids released by graminaceous species for Fe utilization, using high-performance liquid chromatography. One hundred and twenty three inbred lines were clustered into nine groups. The low PS secretion rate under Fe-sufficient condition and high PS secretion rate increment after Fe-deficiency treatment type were the ideal inbred lines for breeding of maize with high efficiency in Fe utilization.