Foliar application of micronutrients improves the growth, yield, mineral contents, and nutritional quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.)

Abstract

Broccoli is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, free from calories and fat necessary for a healthy life. The production of broccoli is poor as compared to the developed world because of different biotic and abiotic stress. The nutritional stress is increasing with the passage of time because of low soil fertility and numerous stresses occur in the root zone of plants which reduce the uptake of minerals. Therefore, the current study was conducted on the foliar application of Zn and B to enhance broccoli production with excellent nutritional properties important for human health. Foliar application of Zn + B increased the plant height, stem length, and diameter, number of leaves, leaf length and width, root fresh and dry weight, number of florets, head diameter, and weight, chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, nitrogen and potassium concentration in leaves and head. Stem length and diameter, number of leaves, leaf length and width, root length, number of florets, head diameter, chlorophyll a, phosphorus concentration in leaves and head, and potassium n head. So, the current study improved the growth, yield, and quality of broccoli under foliar application of Zn and B alone and their mixture. It has been concluded that the production and quality of broccoli are enhanced under foliar application of different micronutrients.