Influence of phosphorous fertilizer on mineral nutrition and yield attributes of wheat: Acquisition with PSTOL1 gene for arid environment

To boost agricultural yields, understanding mineral nutrition’s reliance on fertilizers is crucial, underscoring the need to evaluate nutrient-use efficiency for optimal fertilization. In this regard, a field study was conducted to elaborate the role of phosphorus fertilizer in enhancing growth, yield and marginal rate of return in four wheat varieties; two Zn-biofortified (Zincol-2016 and Akbar-2019) and two standard types (Anaj-2017 and FSD-2008). The study revealed that application of phosphorus significantly enhanced the uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) contents in straw (13 %, 59 % and 79 %) and grains (63 %, 92 % and 28 %) respectively. Similarly, the contents of Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) were reduced in straw (23 % and 19 %) and grains (19 % and 18 %) respectively after application of 80 and 120 kg P₂O₅, however at 40 kg P₂O₅ the contents of Zn and Fe were slightly enhanced. The grain yield (21 %) and harvest index (11 %) was maximum at 80 kg P₂O₅ as compared to 40 and 120 kg P₂O₅. The Marginal rate of return over investment (MRR) in P₂O₅ was maximum (241 %) in Akbar-2019 when P-fertilizer was applied at the rate of 80 kg P₂O₅ per ha⁻¹. Regression analysis showed a positive correlation between grain yield and its determinants. Biofortified wheat varieties responded better to 80 kg P₂O₅, outperforming standard varieties in yield. Additionally, our findings demonstrate a significant upregulation of PSTOL1 gene expression at 80 kg P₂O₅ level. Concludingly the application of P-fertilizer at the rate of 80 kg P₂O₅ per ha⁻¹ enhanced growth, yield and rate of return of testing wheat varieties especially the biofortified ones; Zincol-2016 and Akbar-2019.