Lupin species and peas vary widely in their sensitivity to Fe deficiency

Abstract

Variation exists between lupins and peas and between species of lupins in their performance on fine-textured alkaline soils. Two species of lupins (Lupinus angustifolus, L. cosentinii) and peas (Pisum sativum) were grown on a fine-textured alkaline soil under conditions conducive to Fe deficiency to determine whether differences between species could be related to susceptibility to Fe deficiency.Treatments induced severe Fe deficiency and markedly reduced growth of L. angustifolius, had only a moderate effect on L. cosentinii, and had no effect on P. sativum. Poor growth and symptoms were closely related to Fe concentrations within the leaves of plants.Lupins and peas therefore vary markedly in their tolerance to Fe deficiency, which is possibly related to their ability to produce reactions around their roots which make Fe available for uptake.