Differential response of diverse wheat genotypes to Mn application for yield and quality parameters under Mn deficient soil of North-western India

Low availability of manganese (Mn) induces its deficiency in wheat grown particularly in course textured soil. Growing Mn efficient and responsive genotypes on light textured soils is sustainable approach to higher Mn accumulation in wheat grain. For this, sixteen wheat genotypes viz. bread, durum and triticale, were investigated for two years with foliar application of Mn. Diverse wheat genotypes responded differently toward yield and quality parameters. Maximum increment in grain and straw yield was observed in PDW314 (39.3%) and TL2908 (26.1%), over control. On the other hand, Mn concentration in grain and straw increased to maximum in PDW 274 (51.3%) and PBW621 (51.2%), over control. Among bread, durum and triticale genotypes, PBW343U (61.8%), PDW274 (91%) and TL2969 (37.8%) strongly responded to Mn application and supported by higher Mn accumulation. Average grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) and Mn accumulation efficiency index (MAEI) were 89.0 and 71.7, respectively. Due to higher yield and higher Mn accumulation than GYEI and MAEI, the genotypes HD2967, PBW725, PBW677, PBWZn1, TL2969, PDW233 were categorized as efficient and responsive, which may prove beneficial for wheat production at large scale under Mn deficient soil. Additional supply of Mn also significantly improved the phenolic content, flavonoids content and total antioxidant activity, while reducing the tannins and phytate content in all genotypes. Based on obtained results, PBW677, PBWZn1 and TL2969 were screened as most desirable genotypes as they possess high GYEI, MAEI, high antioxidant activity and low antinutrient content.