Morpho-physiological and yield traits of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) response to soil-Fe deficiency

Abstract

Iron deficiency is a serious mineral constraint commonly observed in cultivated agrosystems. The limited Fe availability was attributed to the soil properties (pH, carbonate ions, leaching�). Sidi Bouzid agrosystem is a typical semi-arid climate where durum wheat dominates the cereal crops and soil quality differs broadly. Symptoms of iron deficiency were then observed, while the relationship between soil quality and wheat behavior at vegetative and reproductive stages remains less investigated. This study investigates the physiological and reproductive behaviors of wheat regarding Fe availability and soil quality and its impact on the keys metabolic functions and interrelationships. Three different soils (loamy calcareous: L-CS, loamy sand: LSS and sandy loam: SLS) were used to cultivating wheat during a full life cycle, under natural light and temperature. Analyses were made on the keys physiological and reproductive traits, then interrelationships were established. Compared to SLS, L-CS did not provide more than 9% of the plant need for Fe, thus decreasing significantly plant growth, photosynthesis, chlorophyll and grain yield and quality. LSS provide wheat plants by 29% of their need for Fe having, with a less extent, the same inhibitory effect on the above-mentioned parameters. Chlorophyll, photosynthesis, plant growth, yield, ear filling and grain quality are interdependent and depend closely on the Fe uptake and soil quality. Durum wheat yield depends closely on soil