Response of wheat to foliar phosphorus treatments under field and high temperature regimes

Potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄) is applied commonly in dilute foliar sprays to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in China. Yield responses to foliar P sources have also been reported for several crop species in other countries. Experiments were conducted to determine efficacy of four P sources and four rates of KH₂PO₄ as foliar treatments on wheat under field conditions and KH₂PO₄ under two controlled temperature regimes. Grain yields were increased most by KH₂PO₄ followed by β‐glycerophosphate and tripolyphosphate; only phytic acid was ineffective. All rates of 1 to 4 kg ha^‐1 KH₂PO₄ increased grain yields. Foliar KH₂PO₄ applications increased grain weight early under low controlled temperatures, but did not affect final grain weight under either temperature regime. Beneficial effects of foliar P treatments were associated with increased plant P content, which may have increased cell sugar content and protected membranes. Although preliminary results are favorable, additional research is needed to determine optimum methods and conditions for treating wheat with foliar P sources.     

磷素子粒生产效率不同品种的小麦磷素吸收利用差异

盆栽试验研究了130份小麦不同生育时期的干物重、磷素含量、子粒产量等指标,采用组内最小平方和的动态聚类方法将供试品种按磷素子粒生产效率从低到高依次分为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ和Ⅵ 6个类型,研究不同类型磷素吸收利用的差异。结果表明: 1）供试品种的磷素子粒生产效率差异较大（CV=1660%）,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ和Ⅵ类品种的平均磷素子粒生产效率为P 13629、15167、16916、18589、20132、24466 g/g。子粒产量随磷素子粒生产效率提高呈增加趋势（r=03203**）。2）不同生育时期,小麦植株磷浓度与吸磷量类型间差异显著或极显著。成熟期磷素子粒生产效率与植株磷浓度极显著正相关（r=06969**）,子粒产量与抽穗期、成熟期植株吸磷量显著或极显著相关（r=02966*、r=09271**）。3）不同生育时期磷素干物质生产效率的类间差异均达显著水平; 成熟期磷素干物质生产效率与磷素子粒生产效率极显著正相关 （r=07391**）。4）拔节期、抽穗期和成熟期干物重均表现出随磷素子粒生产效率增加而增加的趋势,成熟期尤为突出。拔节期成熟期磷素吸收量是影响子粒产量形成的重要因素,磷素子粒生产效率高的品种在拔节期后有较强干物质和子粒产量形成能力。     

不同施磷量对小麦旗叶光合性能和产量性状的影响

为揭示磷肥调控光合作用的可能机制,1999～2001年度在河北农业大学教学基地进行了不同施磷水平的田间试验。供试品种为河农859,设3个磷肥水平(分别为P2O575,225和375.kg/hm2)。结果表明,在施用P2O575～375.kg/hm2的范围内,随施磷量增加,旗叶净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、叶绿素含量(Chl)、可溶性蛋白质含量(Pro)和ATP酶活性都增加,叶绿素含量缓降期(RSP)和光合速率高值持续期(PAD)延长,而胞间CO2浓度(Ci)随施磷量的变化并不规律。高施磷量(P2O5375.kg/hm2)时,旗叶的叶绿素b含量(Chlb)减少、希尔反应和非环式光合磷酸化活性受到抑制,对磷肥的响应规律基本一致。但此条件下,Pn并不低,产量构成因素和子粒产量也最高。表明,尽管以上三个指标对磷肥响应敏感,但在一定范围内波动并不影响碳固定能力,不致成为光合作用的主要限制因素。     

钼磷配合施用对甘蓝型油菜产量和子粒品质的影响

利用酸性黄棕壤进行连续2年的盆栽试验,研究了钼肥和磷肥配合施用对甘蓝型油菜产量和子粒含油量、油产量、蛋白质含量、硫甙和芥酸含量以及脂肪酸组分等品质指标的影响。钼肥和磷肥各设置3个水平,分别为Mo 0、0.15、0.30 mg /kg土和P2O5 0、0.20、0.40 g /kg土,共9个处理。结果表明:施钼能够显著（P0.05）提高油菜子粒产量和生物学产量,显著增加油菜子粒含油量、油产量及油酸、亚油酸含量,降低子粒硫甙、亚麻酸和硬脂酸的含量;施磷则能够极显著提高子粒产量和子粒油产量,显著增加生物学产量和亚油酸含量,降低芥酸、硫甙及二十碳烯酸的含量;钼肥和磷肥对提高油菜子粒产量、油产量和油酸含量,降低芥酸含量存在显著（P0.05）的协同效应。因此,钼肥和磷肥在提高油菜产量、改善油菜子粒品质方面均具有良好的作用,且两者配合施用效果更好。     

不同土壤水分条件下施磷量对小麦旗叶衰老及产量的影响

在防雨旱棚池栽条件下研究了水分胁迫(W1)和水分适宜(W2)条件下不同施磷量对小麦旗叶衰老及产量的影响.结果表明,小麦开花后,W1水平下,施磷150 kg/hm~2处理的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)下降幅度及丙二醛(MDA)上升幅度较其他处理小;W2水平下,随施磷量的增加,SOD、POD和CAT活性增加、MDA降低,可见水分胁迫下适宜的施磷量以及适宜的水分条件下增加施磷量均可以改善小麦体内的保护酶,增加小麦叶面积指数和旗叶叶绿素含量,提高光合速率,进而延缓衰老,提高产量.本试验条件下,虽然75%土壤田间持水量与施磷量150 kg/hm~2的处理组合达到了最高产量,但与55%土壤田间持水量与施磷量150 kg/hm~2的处理组合的产量差异不显著,综合观之,后者是最佳水肥处理组合.     

Effects of P fertilization level on phosphorus uptake and agronomic traits under deficit irrigation in winter wheat (T. aestivum L.)

Abstract

Enhancing the phosphorus (P) use efficiency is critical for the sustainable cultivation of winter wheat. In this study, we investigated the effects of P fertilization level on plant P-uptake and agronomic traits under deficit irrigation, by using two wheat cultivars sharing contrasting water responses (i.e., Jimai 585 and Shimai 22). The high P level treatment (P120) improved plant biomass and P accumulation at each growth stage, grain yields, P remobilization amount to grain (PRA), P remobilization rate (PRR), and P contribution rate (PRR) of the cultivars with respect to the low P treatments (i.e., P90 and P60). Compared with Jimai 585, a cultivar acclimated to affluent water, the drought tolerant cultivar Shimai 22 exhibited similar behaviors on plant biomass, P-associated traits at each stage, and agronomic traits at maturity under P120. However, Shimai 22 was more improvement on P-associated and agronomic traits than Jimai 585 under P60 and P90. P contents were increased whereas moisture contents decreased in soil profile treated by P120 with respect to those by P60. Meanwhile, the soil profile cultivated by Shimai 22 displayed reduced moisture and P contents under P deprivation (i.e., P90 and P60) respect to that by Jimai 585, suggesting the contribution of more consumption of soil P and water storage to improved agronomic traits of Shimai 22. Together, our investigation suggested that suitable P input management positively mediates plant P-associated traits and grain formation capacity under deficit irrigation by improving supply and internal translocation of P across tissues in winter wheat plants.     

The Productivity of Subsequent Wheat Enhanced with Residual Carbon Sources and Phosphorus under Improved Irrigation System

ABSTRACT

A two-year consecutive experiment was conducted at agriculture Research Institute Mingora Swat, Pakistan during Rabi 2016–17 and 2017–18 to study the residual effect of carbon sources on water use efficiency and subsequent wheat productivity. Carbon sources (peach leaf and rotten fruits on dry basis, compost of peach residues and biochar of these residues), Three P rates (P1 = 50, P2 = 75, and P3 = 100 kg P ha^?1) with two irrigation levels (225 and 175 mm) along with traditional planting with no irrigation, were used in the experiment. No carbon sources or phosphorus was applied to the wheat crop at any stage. The results clearly indicated that CS such as biochar with improved irrigation system of 225 mm could enhance the soil water availability in 0–100 cm during the key growth stages, as well as WUE and rainfall use efficiency were improved by 34% and 51% as compared with no irrigation, respectively. Maximum yield components were produced by compost while biological yield was increased with biochar amendments. It is concluded that irrigation volume of 225 mm produced higher grain yield when wheat was sown after the preceding crop treated with biochar and 75 kg P ha^?1. It is concluded that biochar with 225 mm irrigation level is a suitable treatment for efficient consumption of local rainfall and increase subsequent wheat productivity under the northern climatic scenario of Pakistan because it improves the Evapo Transpiration (WUE), Radiation Use Efficiency (RUE) and reduces ET levels, thereby enhancing the grain yield, net pro?t, and food security.     

磷肥对甘蓝型春油菜产量、磷肥利用效率及经济效益的影响

利用大田试验研究了不同磷肥用量对甘蓝型春油菜产量、养分积累、磷素利用效率和经济效益的影响。结果表明,在低磷土壤上施用125 kg/hm2N和135 kg/hm2K2O基础上增施磷肥,可显著增加油菜不同部位产量,其中籽粒产量平均提高12.5%,生物量平均提高29.0%。施磷明显提高油菜地上部P素含量,有利于促进油菜K素营养累积,但对N素、K素含量无显著影响。随磷肥施用量的增加,磷肥偏生产力显著下降,施磷后磷肥农学效率、磷肥表观利用率和磷肥生理利用率平均分别为4.6 kg/kg P2O5、13.0%和40.2 kg/kg P2O5,磷肥对籽粒产量的贡献率仅为10.9%。根据经济效益分析结果,青海甘蓝型春油菜生产中磷肥用量以75 kg/hm2为宜。     

Responses of physiological parameters,grain yield,and grain quality to foliar application of potassium nitrate in two contrasting winter wheat cultivars under salinity stress

An experiment was conducted to test whether foliar application of KNO₃ on wheat in the heading stage could reduce salinity‐induced injuries, produce high grain yield, and improve grain quality. Salt‐resistant DK961 and salt‐sensitive JN17 wheat cultivars under 0 or 100 mM–NaCl conditions were foliarly watered with distilled water or a 10 mM–KNO₃ solution. The four treatments included: T₁ (CK₁), 0 mM NaCl + distilled water; T₂, 0 mM NaCl + 10 mM KNO₃; T₃ (CK₂), 100 mM NaCl + distilled water; T₄, 100 mM NaCl + 10 mM KNO₃. The results indicate that there were no differences (p > 0.05) in plant growth, grain yield, and grain quality between T₂ and T₁ in both cultivars, but these response variables were significantly lower in T₃ than in T₁. K⁺ : Na⁺ ratio, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic capacity, grain yield, flour yield, water absorbance, ash content, dough‐development time and dough‐stability time were significantly higher in T₄ than in T₃, while protein concentration, wet‐gluten concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activities were lower. Although foliar application of KNO₃ on JN17 enhanced plant growth, grain yield, and grain quality, these parameters were still lower in T₄ than in T₁. Our findings suggest that cultivating the salt‐resistant wheat cultivar combined with foliar application of KNO₃ at heading stage may alleviate salinity injuries and produce higher grain yield and better grain quality under saline conditions.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus requirements of different wheat plant types under dryland and irrigated conditions 1

The wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant type in major producing areas of the U.S. is changing rapidly from tall cultivars to high‐yielding semidwarf cultivars. Objectives of experiments were to determine if nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional requirements differ between traditional tall cultivars and modern semidwarf cultivars under dryland and irrigated conditions. ‘Larned’, a tall cultivar; ‘Newton’, a semidwarf cultivar; and ‘Plainsman V, a high‐protein semidwarf cultivar, were grown with all combinations of three nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 84, and 168 kg N/ha) and two phosphorus fertilizer levels (0 and 90 kg P₂O₅/ha) at Colby, Kansas for two years. Three levels of irrigation—dryland, limited irrigation, and full irrigation—were applied. Grain yields were highest with 84 kg N/ha under dryland and with 168 kg N/ha under irrigation. Phosphorus increased grain yield under dryland conditions one year, but had no effect under irrigated conditions. Cultivar X nutrition interactions from differential yield responses to fertility levels occurred under the dryland and limited irrigation regimes one year. Grain protein content was increased by nitrogen fertilization under all regimes both years and was decreased only by phosphorus fertilization under dryland conditions one year. Cultivar X nitrogen interactions for grain protein occurred under all irrigation regimes. We concluded that nutrient requirements do not differ between tall and semi dwarf wheat culti‐vars under any irrigation regime. Raising the recommended level of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, should be considered for all cultivars, both tall and semidwarf.     

黑龙港低平原高产田小麦追肥研究

在严重干旱的 1999～ 2 0 0 0年 ,采用 3个品种 ,3个追肥量 ,3个追肥时期和 3次重复的完全组合设计 ,对大运河以东黑龙港低平原区高产田小麦春季追氮时期和追氮量进行了系统研究。结果表明 :春季追肥时期宜晚 ,第一次肥水在 4叶 1心到 5叶 1心期为好 ,追肥量以尿素 75kg/hm2 为高限 ,甚至可以考虑不追肥。     

施磷对紫花苜蓿光合特性以及生长的影响

盆栽条件下不同施磷水平对苜蓿光合特性及其产量和品质的影响研究表明，在苜蓿充分供应氮、钾等其它营养的基础上，适量施用磷肥能显著增加苜蓿叶片的叶绿素含量，提高其光合作用，从而促进苜蓿植株生长，增加苜蓿产量和品质。本试验条件下P4处理的紫花苜蓿两次收割的植株平均高度与不施磷比较，增加了3．54cm、侧枝数增加3．78个／株、全年产草量增加25％；苜蓿粗蛋白含量年平均比对照增加了4．87％；粗纤维含量年平均比对照降低了5．85％。达到最佳经济产量的施磷（P2O5）量为106mg／kg.     

减氮控磷稳钾施肥对水稻产量及养分积累的影响

氮、 磷用量偏大,钾肥用量不足不仅影响水稻的正常生长发育,而且导致养分利用率偏低。本文通过田间试验,研究减量施用氮、 磷肥,稳定钾肥投入对水稻产量、 养分积累量和肥料利用率的影响。试验设14个处理,每个处理重复2次。结果表明,氮钾、 磷钾、 氮磷钾配施处理的水稻秸秆生物量和籽粒产量均显著高于不施肥处理（P0.05）; 减氮控磷稳钾处理（N 225 kg/hm2、 P2O5 60 kg/hm2、 K2O 90 kg/hm2）与常规施肥处理相比（N 300 kg/hm2、 P2O5 150 kg/hm2、 K2O 60 kg/hm2）能显著增加水稻秸秆生物量（P0.05）,明显提高千粒重和籽粒产量; 试验还得出,减氮控磷稳钾处理分蘖期地上部氮、 钾含量和秸秆氮、 钾含量显著高于常规施肥处理（P0.05）; 收获期地上部氮、 钾的积累量和氮、 磷的表观利用率显著大于常规施肥处理（P0.05）。适当减少氮、 磷用量, 增加钾肥用量能改善氮、 钾营养状况,促进地上部干物质的积累,提高籽粒产量和氮、 磷表观利用率。N 196.2 kg/hm2、 P2O5 46.5 kg/hm2、 K2O 90 kg/hm2的配施方案具有实际推广应用价值。     

Alleviation of drought stress in winter wheat by late foliar application of zinc,boron, and manganese

In many regions, drought during flowering and grain‐filling inhibits micronutrient acquisition by roots resulting in yield losses and low micronutrient concentrations in cereal grains. A field and a greenhouse experiment were conducted to study the effect of foliar applications of zinc (Zn), boron (B), and manganese (Mn) at late growth stages of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown with or without drought stress from booting to maturity. Foliar applications of Zn, B, and Mn did not affect grain yield in the absence of drought. However, under drought, foliar application of Zn and B in the field increased grain yield (15% and 19%, respectively) as well as raising grain Zn and B concentration, while Zn and Mn sprays in the greenhouse increased grain yield (13% and 10%, respectively), and also increased grain Zn and Mn concentrations. Furthermore, under drought stress both in the field and greenhouse experiment the rate of photosynthesis, pollen viability, number of fertile spikes, number of grains per spike, and particularly water‐use efficiency (WUE) were increased by late foliar application of micronutrients. These results indicate that by increasing WUE foliar application of Zn, B, and Mn at booting to anthesis can reduce the harmful effects of drought stress that often occur during the late stages of winter wheat production. These findings therefore are of high relevance for farmers' practice, the extension service, and fertilizer industry.     

Tissue Nitrogen as a Base for Recommendations of Additional Nitrogen to Spring Wheat in Southern Finland

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) deficiency has become more common in the traditional wheat cultivation areas of southern Finland as yield potentials have increased. Based on data for the period studied (1968-88) a grain protein concentration below 11.2% in spring wheat (Triticun aestivum L.) is an indicator of N deficiency. The mean of maximum grain yield obtained was 4655 kg ha^?1 when grain protein concentration exceeded 11.2%. The estimation of plant tissue N content could be an effective diagnostic tool for identifying N status in the early growth stages of spring wheat. To address the feasibility of this test, the present study was conducted in 1990-91 to determine the critical plant tissue N concentrations of three plant parts at the early double-ridge stage (Stage 2), at the stage when stigmatic branches of the carpel begin to form (Stage 7) and at pollination (Stage 10). Nitrogen was applied at rates of 0 and 110 kg N ha^?1 as granular ammonium nitrate and granular slow-release-nitrogen fertilizers to establish a wide range of plant tissue N levels, grain yields and grain protein concentrations. Critical plant N levels were calculated for the different plant parts using the Cate-Nelson procedure. From this study it can be concluded that the critical N level recommended for Stage 2 is 43 g of N kg^?1 dry matter of the whole plant. Critical N levels recommended for Stage 7 are 28 g of N kg^?1 dry matter of the whole plant, 30 g of N kg^?1 of the leaves and 13 mg total N in dry matter. Critical N levels recommended for Stage 10 are 12 g of N kg^?1 of the whole plant, 23 g of N kg^?1 of the leaves and 15 mg total N in dry matter.     

Response of photosynthetic active radiation interception,dry matter accumulation,and grain yield to tillage in two winter wheat genotypes

ABSTRACT

To examine the effects of winter wheat genotypes on dry matter (DM) accumulation and grain yield (GY) under no-tillage conditions in North China Plain (NCP), a field experiment was conducted using the genotypes Tainong 18 (F) and Jimai 22 (J). Two tillage systems were tested, conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) during the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 winter wheat growing seasons. Genotypes and tillage systems were compared regarding DM accumulation, GY, leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) interception, and flag leaf fluorescence parameters. LAI, PAR interceptions, and flag leaf fluorescence parameters were significantly higher under CT than under NT conditions. This suggests that the efficiency of light harvesting by the PSII reaction center of leaves can increase due to CT. DM accumulation was significantly higher under CT than under NT. Spike DM accumulation was higher in F than in J in the heading and the filling stages. In both growing seasons, GY was significantly higher under CT than under NT, GY of NTF was significantly higher than that of NTJ, which was due to a significantly higher number of kernels per spike. This indicates that genotype F can compensate for a low GY due to NT.     

施氮水平对优质小麦旗叶光合特性和子粒生长发育的影响

通过对两个优质小麦品种不同施氮量的比较试验,研究了氮素水平对优质小麦生育后期旗叶光合特性和子粒生长发育特点及产量的影响。结果表明,强筋小麦8901施氮量在N.1203～60.kg/hm2范围内,旗叶光合速率、蔗糖含量、淀粉含量和粒重都表现为随施氮量的增加而降低。弱筋小麦SN1391施氮量在N.1202～40.kg/hm2的范围内,上述指标和施氮量呈正相关,但当氮肥用量增加到360.kg/hm2时,则迅速降低。研究还表明,两优质小麦都表现为随施氮量的增加叶绿素含量提高,但过高氮肥用量又使其降低;旗叶叶绿素含量和其光合速率之间相关不显著;旗叶光合速率和粒重之间存在正相关。     

Intercropping of Different Secondary Crops in Maize

Intercropping and bicropping are common cultivation systems in many countries. Maize (Zea mays L.) as a main crop combined with a legume as secondary crop is in general use in many countries. These systems may contribute to a higher biodiversity, and reduced import of fertilizer, concentrates and agrochemicals. The objective of this research was to select an appropriate secondary crop that could be grown with maize in an intercropping system to control weeds while maintaining maize yields. Field beans (Vicia faba L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) and thyphon [Brassica rapa L. ar. rapa (L.) Thell] were selected as secondary crops. Acceptable yields of dry matter in maize were obtained regardless of secondary crop. Different yield levels were obtained depending on the morphology of the secondary crop. Thyphon, a high, dense secondary crop with large leaves, shaded the lower maize canopy, and thereby reduced the yield of maize. In contrast, field bean, which is tall and has a narrow canopy, did not reduce maize yield. A negative relation was found between the yield of secondary crop plus weeds in August and October and the yield of maize in October. The secondary crops were not sufficiently competitive against weeds in the first part of the growing season. Thyphon competed too much against maize. Field bean and phacelia resulted in a minimum of competition against maize, and a maximum competition against weeds, compared with the other secondary crops.     

Effect of phosphate fertilization on crop yield and soil phosphorus status

To evaluate the effect of three phosphorus (P) fertilization regimes (no P, P input equivalent to P off‐take by crops, P input higher than P off‐take) on crop yield, P uptake, and soil P availability, seven field experiments (six in crop rotations, one under permanent grassland) were conducted in Switzerland during nine years (six trials) or 27 years (one trial). Soil total P (Pt), inorganic P (Pi), organic P (Po), and the amount of isotopically exchangeable soil P were measured in the 0–20 cm and 30–50 cm layers of the arable soils and in the 0–10 cm layer of the permanent grassland soil. Omitting P fertilization resulted in significant yield decreases only in one field crop trial as the amount of P isotopically exchangeable within one minute (E_1min) reached values lower than 5 mg P (kg soil)^–1. In the absence of P fertilization Pi decreased on average from 470 to 410 mg P (kg soil)^–1 in the upper horizon of 6 sites while Po decreased only at two sites (from 510 to 466 mg P (kg soil)^–1 on average). In all the treatments of the trials started in 1989 the E_1min values of the upper horizon decreased on average from 15.6 to 7.4 mg P (kg soil)^–1 between 1989 and 1998. These decreases were also observed when P inputs were higher than crops needs, showing that in these soils the highest P inputs were not sufficient to maintain the high initial available P levels. Finally for the six arable trials the values of the isotopic exchange kinetics parameters (R/r₁, n, C_P) and P exchangeable within 1 minute (E_1min) at the end of the experiment could be estimated from the values measured at the beginning of trial and the cumulated P balance.     

Effect of root morphological traits on zinc efficiency in Iranian bread wheat genotypes

Zinc (Zn) has a vast number of functions in plant metabolism, the lack of which had dramatic effects on growth and yield of plants. Plants have morphological and biochemical responses to enhance mineral solubility in the soil and facilitate uptake, such as root plasticity, secretion processes and symbioses. Root architecture modification is an important plant response to nutrient availability. The aim of this study was to identify root morphological reactions to Zn efficiency in Iranian bread wheat genotypes. Soil and solution cultures were used to survey Zn efficiency. In soil culture, six and seven genotypes with high and low Zn contents were selected among 110 Iranian bread wheat genotypes, respectively. The solution culture experiments were set up in a completely randomized block design and plants fed with Johnson’s grass solution. All traits were assessed at 30 and 60 DAPs (days after planting). Our results showed a significant difference between two groups of efficient and inefficient genotypes only at 60 DAP, and Zn-efficient genotypes showed 1.63-, 1.50-, 1.69- and 1.92-fold increases in root diameter, surface area density, shoot and root dry weight, respectively, compared to inefficient genotypes. In contrast, Zn-inefficient genotypes had 1.20- and 2.62-fold more root length and fineness, respectively, than efficient genotypes. The positive significant correlations were observed between shoot and Zn uptake as well as root dry weight and Zn uptake at both stages. Furthermore, shoot and root dry weight showed a significant correlation with root fineness, diameter and surface area density at both stages. The path analysis showed indirect effects on Zn uptake through root traits. Our results showed that roots have a major role in Zn efficiency. Therefore, the better growth and greater Zn uptake in efficient genotypes, compared to inefficient ones, can be attributed to greater root diameter and surface area density, and lower root fineness in these genotypes.