Differential Iron Absorption Efficiency of Peanut (<i>Arachis Hypogaea</i> L.) Cultivars Grown on Calcareous Soils¹

Abstract

Abstract The commonly observed chlorosis of plants grown on calcareous soils often has been treated effectively by use of iron chelates. Genetic variability for efficiency of utilization of iron on such soils has also been found. Three inefficient commercial cultivars and five efficient experimental cultivars of peanuts ( Arachis hypogaea L.) were compared under treated (Fe EDDHA) and untreated conditions for yield and market quality of pods. The gain in yield for chelate treatment ranged from 22 to 210% for the commercial cultivars but only 8 to 18% for the efficient cultivars. Yields of untreated efficient cultivars were comparable to those of treated inefficient ones, suggesting that use of the former would be economically preferable.