Zinc tolerance in wheat cultivars as affected by varying levels of phosphorus

The effect of zinc-phosphorus (Zn-P) interaction on Zn efficiency of six wheat cultivars was studied. The higher dry matter yields were observed when Zn was applied at 5 microgram g(-1) soil than with no Zn application. Phosphorus applications also increased dry matter yield up to the application of 25 microgram P g(-1) soil. The dry matter yield was significantly lower at the P rate of 250 microgram g(-1) soil. At the Zn-deficient level, the Zn-efficient cultivars had higher Zn concentrations in the shoots. Zinc concentrations in all cultivars increased when the P level in the soil was increased from 0 to 25 microgram P g(-1) soil except for the cv. Durati, in which Zn concentrations decreased with increases in P levels. However, when Zn x P interactions were investigated, it was observed that at a Zn-deficient level, Zn concentrations in the plant shoot decreased with each higher level of P, and more severe Zn deficiency was observed at P level of 250 microgram g(-1) soil.