Current practices for correcting iron deficiency in plants with emphasis on genetics

Abstract

There are important genetic differences in some crop species for the amount of loss in production caused by iron‐deficiency chlorosis. Progress has been made in the correction of iron deficiency by the development and use of iron‐efficient genotypes. Breeders of oat (Avena byzantina C. Koch), dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] are engaged in the selection of cultivars with improved iron efficiency. Genotypes of soybean have been developed with iron efficiency superior to that previously identified in the species. Information on the iron chlorosis resistance of soybean cultivars is provided to farmers to facilitate their selection of appropriate seed. Seed mixtures of efficient and inefficient soybean cultivars are used to maximize production and minimize the risk of crop loss from iron deficiency under appropriate conditions.

Key words:

• Plant breeding
• iron efficiency
• chlorosis resistance
• calcareous soil
• seed mixtures
• recurrent selection

Notes

Journal Paper No. J‐11120 of the Iowa Agric. and Home Econ. Exp. Stn., Ames, Iowa, Project 2475.