Differential Response of Maize Inbreds to Zn1

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Abstract
Maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds differ in their ability to take up and use Zn and these differences could be important for development and adaptation of plants to low Zn conditions. In pursuing the need for such information growth measurements and mineral element analysis were made on the inbreds A635 and H84 which showed differential Zn deficiency when grown with varied Zn in nutrient solutions. H84 was more “Zn‐efficient” than A645. H84 produced more total dry matter and more dry matter per unit Zn, developed fewer Zn deficiency symptoms, had more Zn in the tops compared to roots, and had fewer imbalances of other mineral elements when both were grown at low levels of Zn. At higher Zn levels, A635 produced as much as or more dry matter and had similar mineral element balances as H84. H84 also grew better than A635 when the two inbreds were grown together in the same low Zn solution. A635 showed greater changes in P, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe than H84 as Zn varied in solution. Differential responses between these two inbreds for Zn appeared to be caused by differences in the inbreds for translocation, requirements, and utilization of Zn, and for accumulation of imbalanced amounts of mineral elements which interact with Zn.