Physiological and biochemical evaluation of fe-efficiency in fe-deficient maize genotypes

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 Feefficient (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.