Genetic variation in root traits and nutrient acquisition of lentil genotypes

Abstract

Lentil ( Lens culinaris L.), a pulse crop, is grown in nutrient-poor soils in many developing countries, often with little or no fertilization. Knowledge on root traits of lentil and the assessment of their role in nutrient capture would help to sustain its production in these nutrient-poor soils. Root traits (root length, root hairs, root-induced acidification, and phosphatase enzymes) of 10 lentil genotypes (Barimasur-3, Barimasur-4, PLX-79542, GP-8407-5, GP-8403, BLX-79542, L-5 × 8704(2), L-107 × 87012, L-5 × 87272 and 8406-122) were investigated and then related to the plant uptake of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and cobalt (Co) in laboratory and pot experiments. There were significant (p -1 root) among the genotypes. The genotypes did not differ to induce rhizosphere acidification and acid phosphatase activity (aptase). Uptake of most nutrients differed significantly (p 2 fixation, organic acids, mycorrhizae) to find nutrient-efficient germplasm to promote lentil production. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.