Comparison of Phosphorus Use Efficiency Among Various Winter Wheat Accessions Grown in Acid and Calcareous Soils

The objective was to differentiate and estimate phosphorus (P)-uptake and P-utilization efficiency among several winter wheat accessions. Twenty-two accessions were characterized for their ability to uptake and utilize P in two low P soils (acid and calcareous). Plants were grown for 28 days in two different sized pots and analyzed for biomass and total P concentration. Total P uptake and biomass was greater in the large pot and calcareous soil. However, there were no significant correlations between the small and large pot for biomass, P uptake, and P concentration, indicating that rooting conditions were different for the two pots, which allowed differentiation between P-utilization and P-uptake efficiency. Possession of ALTM1 gene for malate excretion did not appear to be related to P-uptake efficiency. Several accessions were found to be either P-uptake or P-utilization efficient in both soils. Phosphorus use efficiency mechanisms may contribute to acid soil tolerance.