GENOTYPIC DIFFERENCES IN PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE AND UTILIZATION OF WATERMELON UNDER LOW PHOSPHORUS STRESS

In this study, seven watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars were tested in solution culture experiment with limiting and ample phosphorus (P) supply to evaluate P uptake and utilization of watermelon under low P stress. Different genotypes showed considerable diversity in terms of biomass accumulation, P uptake, P utilization, root morphological parameters and photosynthetic parameters under low P stress. At low P supply, genotype XN8 and ZCHY were clearly superior to other genotypes in terms of total dry matter yield. The genotype ZJ has the highest P uptake ability, while the genotype XN8 has the highest P efficiency ratio and P utilization efficiency among the seven genotypes under low P stress. The P uptake ability of these genotypes was related significantly and positively to root morphological parameters and photosynthesis parameters under low P stress, the P utilization efficiency showed significant and positive correlation with total dry matter. Results showed existence of genetic differences among watermelon genotypes with regard to P absorption and utilization. The seven genotypes were classified into four groups: efficient responsive (ER), inefficient responsive (IER), efficient non-responsive (ENR) and inefficient nonresponsive (IENR) according to P utilization efficiency under low P stress and dry matter at high P supply. XN8 was identified as ER, and ZCHY was identified as ENR, which may be valuable resources for watermelon production in different soil with low P stress.