Iron deficiency in lentils in the mediterranean region and its control through resistant genotypes and nutrient application¹

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Abstract

Iron (Fe)‐deficiency symptoms are observed on some genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) grown on high pH and calcareous soils. Ten lentil cultivars/lines differing in response to Fe‐deficiency chlorosis (FeDC) were grown on a high pH (8.0), calcareous (38% calcium carbonate equivalent in surface 20 cm) and silty clay soil in the field (Beka'a Valley), to determine the effects of FeDC on seed and straw yield of cultivars/lines sprayed with Fe. A significant interaction (P<0.05) between cultivars/lines and Fe‐spray treatment was noted for visual FeDC ratings, and no significant interactions for these treatments were noted for seed and straw yields. Sprayed cultivarsAines generally produced higher straw yields than unsprayed ones. Overall increases were 38%. Even though only slight FeDC was noted on some cultivars/lines receiving no‐Fe spray, straw yields were significantly increased when sprayed with Fe. Spraying cultivars/lines with Fe did not show a significant increases in seed yield. Indicating that Fe‐deficiency chlorosis in the Mediterranean region may be a serious limitation to straw yield, but it is not to seed yield, in the existing land races and cultivars of lentils.

Notes

Mention of trade names, proprietary products, or vendor does not constitute an endorsement or warranty by the American University of Beirut, nor does it imply its approval to the exclusion of other products or vendors that may be suitable.