Abstract
Iron‐inefficient TAM 0–312 and Fe‐efficient Coker 227 oats (Strategy II plants) differ in their release of phytosiderophore in response to iron‐deficiency stress—the Fe‐efficient Coker 227 releases a phytosiderophore whereas the Fe‐inefficient TAM 0–312 does not. The phytosiderophore released by Coker 227 oats in response to Fe‐deficiency stress does not appear to transport Fe into the plant as Fe phytosiderophore. When the Fe‐inefficient TAM 0–312 and Fe‐efficient Coker 227 oats were subjected to Fe supplied as Fe2+(BPDS)3, Fe3+HEDTA, as Fe3+EDDHA, Coker 227 utilized the Fe more efficiently than TAM 0–312 in every case. Both cultivars reduced Fe3+ as FeCl3 to form Fe2+(BPOS)3 and responded better to this form of Fe than Fe supplied as the ferric chelate. Reduction of Fe3+ at the root appears to be a factor that facilitates iron uptake by Coker 227 oats and the release of a phytosiderophore appears to make more Fe available at the root that can be reduced and transported to plant tops.