Evaluating grain sorghum hybrids for tolerance to iron chlorosis

Abstract

Grain sorghum production in calcareous soils is frequently affected by iron (Fe) chlorosis. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to screen sorghum hybrids for their tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) and evaluate the effectiveness of Fe chelate application in alleviating IDC. Treatments in Exp. 1 were a factorial combination of 14 sorghum hybrids and three Fe chelate application rates (0, 3.4 and 6.8 kg product ha⁻¹) applied in-furrow with the seed at the time of planting. Exp. 2 evaluated two sorghum hybrids (85Y40 and NK5418) and three Fe chelate rates (0 and 3.4 kg product ha⁻¹) at planting, and a split treatment of 3.4 kg ha⁻¹. Results showed iron chelate application suppressed IDC and increased leaf chlorophyll content and grain yield in susceptible hybrids. Split application of Fe chelate suppressed IDC and increased grain yield. Our results indicate sorghum hybrids G8G08, 86G32 and 87P06 showed promise for tolerance to IDC.

Keywords:

• Fe chelate
• Fe-EDDHA
• grain sorghum;
• iron deficiency chlorosis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission.