Phosphorus (P) deficiency and low P use efficiency are induced by soil properties, especially in calcareous soils which are dominant in semi arid regions of the world such as Mediterranean area. Alternative approaches to fertilization are to exploit plant genetics for improved P efficiency. Accordingly, a greenhouse pot experiment was carried out to select P efficient wheat genotypes grown in typical calcareous soils in southern Turkey. Common local wheat genotypes (10) were grown in six soil series for 8 weeks using five P application rates (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg kg-1). Dry matter (DM) yield and P content were significantly increased by increasing P rates, with differences between soils. Some varieties performed better under P stress because of better P utilization efficiency. Shoot DM was the most sensitive indicator of genetic variability under P-deficient conditions. Genotypes classified as efficient-responsive (ER) were: Adana-99, 1014, Golia, Balatilla, with above-average DM yield, responding well to P applications; efficient-non-responsive (ENR): Firat-93, Seri-82, Genc-99, Panda, had less than average DM yield but,responded to P application; and inefficient-non-responsive (INR): Fuat Bey and Ceyhan-99 had below- average DM yield. Such P response categorization is indispensable to better breeding programs for nutrient use efficiency. The model approach used in the study may aid in selecting P-efficient genotypes in low-P soils especially in the early stages of growth.