DefinePK

Research Objective

To identify phosphorus (P)-efficient obsolete wheat cultivars of Pakistan that can be exploited for climate-smart, low phosphorus input agriculture.

Methodology

A field study was conducted using a thrice replicated randomized complete block design. Five selected obsolete wheat cultivars (MEXIPAK-65, INDUS-66, PAK-70, PARI-73, ZA-77) and a control (TJ-83) were tested on a P-deficient soil with two phosphorus levels: 0 kg P2O5 ha-1 (control) and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Key traits measured included seed index, grain yield, straw yield, grain and straw P concentration, grain and straw P accumulation, P-use-efficiency, and P-efficiency ratio. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and honestly significant difference (HSD) tests were used for data analysis.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Field Study Setup] --> B[Application of P levels];
    B --> C[Sowing of Wheat Cultivars];
    C --> D[Data Collection];
    D --> E[Analysis of Traits];
    E --> F[Statistical AnalysisANOVA, HSD];
    F --> G[Interpretation of Results];
    G --> H[Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study validated the importance of phosphorus nutrition in wheat and highlighted significant genotypic variation in P utilization efficiency among wheat cultivars. Obsolete wheat genotypes demonstrated potential for P-use-efficiency, suggesting they can be valuable for developing nutrient-use-efficient varieties for low-input agriculture. The findings support the idea that selecting P-efficient genotypes is crucial for maximizing wheat production in P-deficient conditions.

Key Findings

- The wheat genotype PARI-73 showed the highest seed index at no P fertilizer and also produced maximum grain yield at no P supply.
- ZA-77 produced maximum grain yield at adequate P level, followed by TJ-83.
- Straw yield was highest in ZA-77 at no P supply and in TJ-83 at adequate P supply.
- Grain and straw P concentration was maximum in MEXIPAK-65 at no P supply and in ZA-77 at adequate P supply.
- PARI-73 exhibited higher P-use-efficiency than any other wheat genotype.
- Indus-66 and PAK-77 had the maximum P-efficiency ratio, followed by MEXIPAK-65 and PARI-73.

Conclusion

The research emphasizes the significance of genotypic variation in phosphorus utilization efficiency in wheat. The wheat genotype PARI-73 is identified as an ideal candidate for climate-smart, low phosphorus input agriculture.

Fact Check

- Global P reserves are estimated to be mined by 2050. (Vance et al., 2003)
- Approximately 90% of Pakistani soils are reported to have inadequate available P (<10 mg kg-1). (Memon, 1996)
- Wheat consumes approximately 45% of the fertilizer P used in Pakistan. (Vishandas et al., 2006; GoP, 2023)

Mind Map