Barley Genotypes Differing in Zinc Efficiency When Grown in Various Soil Types

Abstract

Plant genotypes differ in their zinc (Zn) uptake; and accumulation of Zn by genotypes could be affected by soil types. In pot experiments in 5 different soil types, Zn uptake of a barley landrace (Sahara = Zn-efficient) was compared with a bred barley cultivar (Clipper = Zn-inefficient) at three Zn treatments (0.0, 0.02 and 0.8 mg Zn/Kg soil). At 0.8 Zn treatment, Zn concentration and content in shoot (at different growth stages) and seed of Sahara were significantly higher than those of Clipper. Higher concentration of Zn in the youngest leaf blades was found in Sahara grown in all soil types. The results indicated that Sahara landrace was more efficient in absorbing Zn from different soils than Clipper cultivar. It can be concluded that different soil types did not affect shoot and seed Zn concentration and content of Sahara, and these traits can be used in the assessment of barley genotypes, and may be useful criteria in screening large populations in various regions with different soil types.