Effect of foliar application of nano chitosan NPK fertilizer on the chemical composition of wheat grains

Abstract

IN THIS paper we investigated the effect of foliar application of nano chitosan NPK fertilizer on the chemical composition of wheat grains. Foliar application of nanofertilizers showed a significant increase in total saccharide content of wheat grains grown on clay- sandy, clay and sandy soils. The magnitude of increase was most pronounced in the grains of nanofertilizered plants than in normal fertilized wheat plants, particularly at 10% nanofertilizer. As compared with control, treatment of wheat plants with increasing levels of either normal or nanofertilizer induced significant decrease in protein content and nitrogen content of the wheat grains. Treatment of wheat plants with nanofertilizers significantly increased the element content, especially potassium and phosphorus contents in the wheat grains. The magnitude of increase was most pronounced at clay-sandy soil, followed by clay soil and finally sandy soil. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms by which nano fertilizers improve the quality of wheat grains.