Characterization and selection for phosphorus deficiency tolerance in 99 spring wheat genotypes in Montana

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) deficiency in soil is a common spring wheat production-limiting factor in Montana. In a pot experiment, three groups of spring wheat genotypes based on source (association mapping, 2016 off-station, and nested association mapping) were grown in 5 (P5) and 30 (P30) mg P kg⁻¹ potting mix conditions and screened for P deficiency tolerance. Plant height, tiller and head number, grain yields per pot measured were significantly different between P5 and P30 conditions (p < .05). Spring wheat genotypes: Unity, Peace, Vida, Reeder, CLTR 15134, ONeal and Fortuna yielded more grains, and equally took up more P in P5 conditions, revealing some degree of P deficiency tolerance. The genetic variability identified in this study for grain yields and P uptake could be used in wheat improvement programs for selecting genotypes with low P tolerance in P deficient soils as well as in organic spring wheat production.

Keywords:

• genotypes
• grain phosphorus uptake
• grain yield
• phosphorus deficiency tolerance
• spring wheat

Acknowledgment

We gratefully acknowledge Luther Talbert of Montana State University, Bozeman for supplying the seeds. The staff of Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center, Conrad, Montana State are equally appreciated for their encouragement and support. The technical support of Phillip Hammermeister and Alysha Miller was invaluable. The critical suggestions of the reviewers are also appreciated.

Additional information

Funding

The authors wish to thank the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee for their financial support.