Impact of single and dual deficiency of nitrogen and iron on photosynthesis and fluorescence parameters in hydroponically and field grown bread wheat

Wheat is the most extensively cultivated food crop worldwide contributing approximately 27% in grain production. Improvement of the nutrient content of wheat varieties along with high productivity is important for global food and nutritional security. Scientists, breeders and food industries adopt numerous strategies to combat the problem of malnutrition. In this context, bio-fortification has become a successful method to enhance nutritional value of wheat. HD3298 is a bio-fortified wheat variety with high yield (55–60 quintals) and high nutrient (Fe, Protein) content. Nitrogen (N) and iron (Fe) are two important mineral nutrients required for plant growth and development. Information on crosstalk between different nutrients and their effects in the changing nutrient environment are very scarce. In the present study, we tried to understand the impact of single nutrient deficiency (–Fe, –N) and their combined (–N–Fe) starvation in bread wheat. Both single and dual deficiency of N and Fe resulted in significant yield loss. Apart from the impact on global nutritional security, deficit of Fe, N and the combined deficit of Fe impacts crop growth and yield potential by the suggested decrease in photosynthetic pigment content, leaf area and rate of photosynthesis. The impact of dual deficiency of N and Fe was more prominent than individual deficiencies. In the field condition, plants often face multiple stresses and deficiency of many nutrients at the same time. Understanding the nutrient interactions in controlled environment will enhance the understanding and also create avenues to manage the stress effectively.