Genotypic Variation in Nodule Iron Content of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) in Response to Phosphorus Deficiency

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) can supply all of the iron that humans require for metabolism. Also, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) in symbiosis with rhizobia. In order to analyze the relation between phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) elements in nodules and their roles for the plant N₂-dependent growth, six common bean recombinant inbred lines (RIL) of the cross of BAT477 and DOR364 were inoculated with Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899 (originating from International Center of Tropical Agriculture, Colombia) and grown with sufficiency versus deficiency P supply in hydroaeroponic culture. Under P deficiency, the Fe content in nodules decreased in all studied genotypes and was significantly the highest for RIL 34. The nodule contents of Fe and P were significantly correlated under P deficiency. It is concluded that the regressions of nodule Fe content as a function of P content in nodules, roots and shoots, depend upon P supply and genotype.

Keywords:

• genotypes
• hydroaeroponic culture
• inoculants
• interaction
• iron
• nodule development
• Rhizobium tropici