Screening of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Genotypes for Their Iron Efficiency

The role of plant factors on micronutrient uptake and utilization has been a highly neglected field. The root-soil interface (rhizosphere) plays an important role for iron acquisition. In the present study an attempt was made to screen sorghum genotypes for their tolerance to iron stress. A suitable methodology was developed for the initial screening with modified Hoagland's solution. Varieties like K 1, K 8, K 10, K 11, Co 26 and CSV 15 exhibited no or less severe symptoms of iron chlorosis and are highly tolerant to iron deficiency hence classified as resistant. Genotypes / cultures like VMS 98001, Co 21, Co 25 and DMS 652 exhibited chlorosis within few days in all the treatments till the end of the study and rated as susceptible. Varieties like APK 1, TNS 340, TNS 587, Co 18 and TNS 334 exhibited chlorosis in control and lower iron levels and they reclaimed green, when Fe was applied and hence they were classified under moderately tolerant group. These Fe resistant genotypes can be grown in Fe deficient soils without incurring any additional cost on Fe containing fertilizers.