Comparison of Different Spring Wheat Genotypes Based on Their Response to Iron Fertilization in a Calcareous Soil

This study was conducted in Rudasht Research Farm Isfahan, to evaluate tolerance to iron (Fe) deficiency of 30 spring wheat genotype, using split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plot consisted of two Fe levels (0 and 20 kg Fe ha-1 applied as FeEDDHA at planting and beginning of vegetative growth). Grain yield increased by 14% following the application of 20 kg Fe ha-1 as FeEDDHA. Application of Fe significantly increased grain yield of all wheat genotypes except for Rushan. The result indicated that Mean Productivity (MP), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP) and Stress Tolerance Index (STI) were the most suitable indices for identifying and selecting Fe-deficiency tolerant wheat genotypes. By using both treatments with and without added Fe, grain yield showed significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation with MP, GMP and STI. The STI could divide the studied wheat genotypes in different groups based on both their response to fertilization and grain yield potential. Therefore, the STI was the best index to identify Fe deficiency tolerant genotypes. Based on the three indices, Ghods and Falat genotypes were the most tolerant and sensitive genotypes to Fe deficiency, respectively.