Rhizospherical and biochemical changes in zn efficient and inefficient wheat cultivars under zn stressed conditions

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major constraint in Indian Agriculture. Wheat, a staple food crop in all the developing countries is inherently very low in major Zn concentrations. Growing it on potentially Zn deficient soils is further reducing Zn content in wheat grain. Efficiency of crop in terms of Zn stress tolerance, largely depend on root morphology and rhizospheric changes. The greater Zn uptake and biomass yield in Zn efficient cultivars under Zn stress conditionsoccurred with root-induced changes in the rhizosphere. In order to assess the effect of zinc nutrition on the Zn-efficient and inefficient group of wheat cultivars, a hydroponics study was planned and biochemical and Rhizospherical changes was measured in terms of organic acid secretion, change in pH and root morphology. Biomass yield and Zn concentration measured in different plant parts were highly influenced under Zn stressed conditions. Zn efficient cultivars had better root characters, enhanced H+ ions and organic acid exudation which in turn increased the biomass yield and Zn concentration of different plant parts. However, in inefficient cultivars the root growth and its rhizosphere brought a significant change in biomass yield and Zn concentration after external supply of Zn fertilizer.