The effects of different methods of zinc application on canola seed yield and oil content

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) as a microelement plays a salient role in the vital processes of plants such as metabolism and nutrition. This experimental study was conducted in the research field of Agriculture Faculty, Zanjan University using two genotypes of canola as main factor (Okapi and Tassilo) and zinc fertilizer application method in 7 levels including control, foliar spraying (2, 3.5, and 5 g/L) at the beginning of flowering and soil application (25, 50, and 75 kg/ha) were considered as sub-plot factor. The results showed that the application of zinc significantly increased the chlorophyll content as compared to control treatment. The highest chlorophyll content was observed in foliar spraying of 3.5 and 5 g/L zinc in Okapi cultivar. While, the highest value of RWC content resulted only with spraying 5 g/L of zinc. The result showed that zinc foliar of 5 g/L obtained the highest oil and seed yields and seed yield components. In addition, the highest qualitative seed traits (oil and protein content and zinc content in seed and plant) resulted with spraying 5 g/L of zinc. Also, Okapi cultivar had more quantitative and qualitative yields than Tassilo cultivar. The foliar spray of 5 g/L Zn can be recommended to increase the quantity and quality seed yield of canola.