Evaluating maize (Zea mays L.) in the field for tolerance to soil acidity is expensive and provides variable results. To identify alternative screening techniques for maize, the present study adapted a pot bioassay already used for other crops. Two experiments were conducted. One included a set of diallel crosses from eight parents and the other a set of 10 open‐pollinated cultivars. These materials were evaluated under field conditions, in nutrient solution, and in pots containing 2 kg of soil. The best results were obtained after growing plants for 14 d in pots containing soils having intermediate stress (45–65% AI saturation). Fresh root weight, total length (or lateral root length), and visual scoring provided the best separation between tolerant and susceptible genotypes, lacked a significant genotype ✕ soil interaction, and were efficient, simple, and rapid measurements. Significant phenotypic correlations (≈ 0.55) were observed between these variables and yield in the field. While efficiently distinguishing tolerant from susceptible genotypes, the pot bioassay could not clearly detect differences in levels of tolerance. This technique should be useful mainly in the early stages of maize breeding. Results suggest that maize possesses several mechanisms for tolerance to soil acidity.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.