Zinc fertilization enhances growth and quality parameters of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during rainy (kharif) seasons (July–October) of 2013 and 2014 at IARI, New Delhi to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) fertilization on growth, milling, biochemical and cooking quality parameters of aromatic rice varieties. The results showed that leaf area index, crop growth rate, relative growth rate and net assimilate rate varied among different tested varieties of rice. Among varieties, the highest milling and head rice recovery was reported in ‘Pusa Sugandh 5’. From the cooking quality parameters point of view ‘Pusa Basmati 1121’ and ‘Pusa Basmati 1509’ were found better than other tested varieties. ‘Pusa Basmati 1401’ and ‘Pusa Basmati 1509’ were found superior with respect to amylose and protein content in white rice kernel. Soil + foliar application of Zn through Zn-EDTA and ZnSO4·7H2O resulted in better growth, milling, biochemical and cooking quality parameters than soil application alone. Moreover, Zn-EDTA was found better in improving quality parameters compared to ZnSO4·7H2O. Cultivar ‘Pusa Basmati 1509’ with soil application of 1.25 kg Zn ha−1 (EDTA) + 0.5 % foliar spray at maximum tillering and panicle initiation stages recorded the highest Zn concentration in white rice kernel and straw.