Evaluation of seed size and genotype on nutrient uptake and growth characteristic of wheat seedling

In order to study the effects of seed size and genotype on nutrient uptake and growth characteristic of wheat, a field experiment was conducted in a split plot randomized block design with genotypes as main plots and seed size as subplots with four blocks at the Roseworthy Campus, the University of Adelaide in 2010. Two experiments were designed: (1) a pot experiment with three harvest times to determine the effect of seed size and genotype on nutrient uptake; (2) a field experiment in which final grain yield were measured. The wheat genotypes used were Burunga, Excalibur, Janz, Machete, RAC655, Trident, Spear, Tatiara, Yarralinka (Triticum aestivum L.) and Yallaroi (Triticum durum). Obtained results showed that seed size had significant effect on nutrient uptake and plant derived from large seeds had most uptake of Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and P  after 6 weeks of growth. Among of all genotypes, spear had maximum amount of this nutrient uptake. Most growth characteristic among all genotype was observed in spear.   Key words: Seed size, genotype, nutrient uptake, growth characteristics, wheat.