Application Of Micronutrients Research Articles

Response of Popular Varieties on Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Growth, Seed Yield and Quality in Greengram

Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on seed yield and quality were studied in three green gram varieties i.e., KKM-3, WGG-42 and TRCRM-147. Among three varieties, seed quality parameters were significantly differed in yield and seed quality parameters. KKM-3 recorded the highest in growth and yield parameters viz., plant height at 30 DAS and 60 DAS (14.55 and 30.83 cm, respectively), number of nodules and number of branches per plant (28.43 and 6.65, respectively), number of pods per plant and pod yield per plant (g) (12.96 and 11.98, respectively), seed yield per plot (g) and seed yield (q/ha) (204.42 and 3.24, respectively) also, in seed quality parameters viz., number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight (g) (11.67 and 3.93, respectively), total dehydrogenase activity (1.836) (A480nm) respectively) and protein (24.01%). But, highest germination (%), mean seedling dry weight (mg) and seedling vigor index-II were recorded in WGG-42 (96.07, 220 and 2111 respectively) and highest mean seedling length (cm) and seedling vigor index-I recorded (33.70 and 3046 respectively) in TRCRM-147. Among foliar treatments studied seed quality parameter were significantly differed. FeSO4 recorded the highest in growth and yield parameters viz., plant height at 30 DAS and 60 DAS (15.31 and 31.49 cm, respectively), number of nodules and number of branches per plant (32.10 and 12.83, respectively), number of pods per plant and pod yield per plant (g) (14.11 and 7.60, respectively), seed yield per plot (g) and seed yield (q/ha) (234.18 and 3.72, respectively) also, in seed quality parameters viz., 100 seed weight (4.16 g), mean seedling dry weight (220 mg), seedling vigor index-II (2049), total dehydrogenase activity (1.939) (A480nm) and protein (24.24%) But, ZnSO4 recorded highest in number of seeds per pod (12.09), germination (94.89%), mean seedling length (33.89 cm) and seedling vigor index-I (3217).

Transcriptional cascades in the regulation of 2-AP biosynthesis under Zn supply in fragrant rice.

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression to control certain genetic programs, such as growth and development, phytohormone regulation, and environmental stresses. 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) is the key element involved in aroma biosynthesis pathway, and the application of micronutrients can increase the 2-AP levels. However, little is known about the micronutrient-induced TFs involved in 2-AP biosynthesis. Here, we identify a number of TF families in two fragrant rice varieties, "Meixiangzhan-2" (M) and "Xiangyaxiangzhan" (X), in response to Zinc (Zn) application through transcriptomic analysis. A total of ~678 TFs were identified and grouped into 26 TF families, each of which was found to be involved in numerous signaling pathways. The WRKY TF family was found to be the most abundant, followed by bHLH and MYB. Furthermore, members of the WRKY, bHLH, MYB, ERF, HSF, MADS-box, NFY, and AP2 TF families were significantly upregulated and may be involved in the transcriptional regulation of aroma biosynthesis. In brief, this study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanism of 2-AP biosynthesis and highlights the key TFs potentially involved in the production of aroma in fragrant rice.

Effect of micronutrients on growth, yield and economics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Amar Singh College, Lakhaoti, Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh) to assess the influence of micronutrients on growth, yield and economics of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). Eight treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. Results revealed that all the growth and yield attributing characters of turmeric responded significantly to the application of micronutrients, whether alone and/or in combination. Application of Zn was more effective in improving the growth, yield and economics as compared to Fe and B. Application of25 kg ZnSO4 + 50 kg FeSO4 + 10 kg borax ha-1 along with RDF resulted in the maximum plant height (95.5 cm), highest number of tillers per plant (2.96), number of leaves per plant (25.0), number of rhizomes per plant (20.2); maximum fresh weight of rhizomes per plant (297.7 g) and the highest yield of turmeric (33.07 tha-1).The yield increment with RDF + 25 kg ZnSO4 + 50 kg FeSO4 + 10 kg borax ha-1 was 20.3% over the control. The performance of RDF + 25 kg ZnSO4 + 50 kg FeSO4 ha-1 and RDF + 25 kg ZnSO4 + 10 kg borax ha-1 wasat par with RDF + 25 kg ZnSO4 + 50 kg FeSO4 + 10 kg borax ha-1 for the growth and yield attributes of turmeric. The lowest values of these parameters were recorded under control.An eeconomic assessment of different treatments revealed that the maximum net return (Rs.4,54,445ha-1) with the highest B:C ratio (2.89)was realized from the combined application of Zn + Fe + B along with RDFas compared to control with a net return of Rs. 3,43,517 ha-1and B:C ratio of 2.47.

Effect of Micronutrients on Physico-Chemical Parameters of Fruit and Yield of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49

This research was done to find out the effect of micronutrients on physico-chemical parameters of fruit and yield of guava (Psidium guajava L.). For this purpose, guava var. L-49 was used in this research. The experiment consisted of eight treatment combinations having Zn, Mn and Fe concentrations of 0.5, 0.5 and 0.4 % respectively, in Randomized Block Design with three replications. There was a significant effect of micronutrients (Zn, Mn and Fe). According to the results, significant increases of fruit size (cm), fruit weight (gm), volume of fruit (cm3), specific gravity and chemical parameters are Total soluble solids (TSS 0Brix), acidity (%), ascorbic acid (Vitamin ‘C’) (mg/100gm pulp), of fruit were determined with increasing micronutrients application. This experimental research carried out at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya-Vihar, Rae Bareli Road, Lucknow 226 025 (U.P.) during the summer season of 2019-20.

Effect of secondary and micronutrients on yield and quality of fox nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) in subtropical climate

Fox nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) is fast emerging as a super food, and its field cultivation has just started in recent years. To evaluate the impact of secondary and micronutrients on yield and quality of fox nut, a two-year field experiment was conducted with seven treatments involving use of primary (NPK), secondary (Mg) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu and B). Application of Mg @5.0 kg ha−1, Zn @5.0 kg ha−1, B @1.0 kg ha−1 or Cu (foliar spray with 0.1% CuSO4 solution) along with NPK@100, 60 and 40 kg ha−1 increased the relative yield up to 1.46, 1.50, 1.47 and 1.62, respectively, compared to 1.0 at control (no fertilization), 1.26 with NPK, and 1.81 with combined application of Mg, Zn, B and Cu along with NPK. Yield boosting effect of Mg and micronutrients, particularly Cu was mediated mostly through their positive effect on seed weight and size. Secondary and micronutrients application also helped in improving or at least sustaining the seed protein and other nutrients’ content even at higher levels of crop productivity. To our knowledge, this was the first study on fox nut revealing the utility of secondary and micronutrients in improving its yield and quality in subtropical climate.

Response of Micronutrients to Seed Quality in Coriandrum sativum L.

The present investigation was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to access the effect of micronutrients on seed quality in coriander. The experiment consisted of soil and foliar application of micronutrients i.e., recommended dose of fertilizers as control, and recommended dose of fertilizers was used in combination with ferrous sulphate (5, 7.5 and 10 Kg/ha), zinc sulphate (3, 4 and 5 Kg/ha), boric acid (2, 3 and 4 Kg/ha), water spray as soli application. The foliar application of ferrous sulphate (0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 %), zinc sulphate (0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 %) and boric acid (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 were done at 45 and 90 DAS. The soil application of micronutrients with 5 kg zinc sulphate/ha with recommended dose of fertilizers recorded significantly maximum standard germination (92%), seedling length (24.86 cm), seedling dry weight (3.45 mg), vigour index – I & II (2286.56 & 317.37), catalase (0.490 mg protein min ), -1 -1peroxidase (0.547 mg protein min ), dehydrogenase (0.075 OD g ml ), superoxidase dismutase (0.925 mg protein min )-1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1, speed of germination (7.54), seedling establishment percentage (85.75%) and mean emergence time in days (11.37).

Development of Sustainable Production of Rainfed Winter Wheat with No-Till Technologies in Southern Kazakhstan

The production of rainfed crops in arid regions is an extremely difficult task, especially without tillage. In southern Kazakhstan, in 2020–2021, the approbation of various nutrition regimes for winter wheat grown in conditions of no-tillage rainfed lands has been studied. The effect of different doses and terms of application of growth stimulators, micronutrients, bio-fertilizers and mineral fertilizers, as well as their economic efficiency, was studied in ten variables. The use of a combination of growth stimulators and microfertilizers produced the highest grain yield and was the most cost-effective. The greatest value of the nominal net profit of 223.25 euro and 244.10 euro from one hectare was provided and calculated with the recommended target grain yield of 2.0 t/ha dose of mineral fertilizers, respectively; however, the production cost of one ton of grain in these treatments was also highest. Further research is continuing with a wider range and combination of amendments and various crops in a rainfed no-till winter wheat farm in southern Kazakhstan.

Effect of Seed Coating and Foliar Spray Treatments on Plant Growth, Seed Yield and Economics of Seed Production in Garden Pea ( L.)

: A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of various treatment combinations comprising of seed coating and foliar application of micro-nutrients and bio-agents on plant growth, seed yield and yield contributing parameters of pea cultivar Punjab-89 during 2018-19. It was observed that among different treatments, seed coating with @ 30 g + PSB @ 30 ml kg seed along with two foliar Rhizobium -1 sprays of ZnSO + FeSO @ 0.3 per cent each given at the time of 50 per cent flowering and 15 days after the first spray significantly influenced 4 4 nearly all the parameters resulting in maximum field emergence (92.67 %), plant height (91.03 cm), pods plant (27.07), pod length (9.81 cm), -1 seeds pod (7.93), 100 seed weight (17.11 g), seed yield (13.98 g plant , 1.2 kg plot and 21.33 q ha ) and maximum B: C ratio (2.00). -1 -1 -1 -1 Therefore, it was concluded from the investigation that seed coating with bio-fertilizers i.e. @ 30 g + PSB @ 30 ml kg seed and two Rhizobium -1 foliar applications of ZnSO + FeSO @ 0.3 per cent each is a good treatment for getting higher yield of quality seed in pea

Zinc and iron biofortification in pearl millet cultivars as influenced by different fertifortification strategies in semi arid tropics

Two field experiments were conducted during Kharif 2018 and 2019 on clay loam soils at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Babbur farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka to evaluate the performance of pearl millet cultivars by different zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) fertifortification methods. Micronutrient (Zn and Fe) management strategies were employed in main plots that include application of recommended NPK, along with recommended NPK supply of Fe and Zn through soil, foliar application and FYM enrichment along with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Three pearl millet cultivars [Variety - ICTP 8203 Fe (Dhanshakti), Hybrid - ICMH 1202 and local cultivar (variety - WCC 75)] were considered in sub plots laid in split plot design with three replications. Three methods of micronutrient application tested improved the grain Fe and Zn concentrations of both biofortified cultivars Dhanshakti and Hybrid along with grain yield. Enrichment of FYM with Fe and Zn resulted in higher concentration and uptake of Fe and Zn than other modes of micronutrient application. The hybrid ICMH 1202 had obtained significantly higher grain yield (2203 kg ha−1), grain micronutrient concentration of pearl millet (50.52 and 83.88 mg kg−1 Zn and Fe, respectively) with the application of enriched FYM + PGPR along with recommended NPK and found the best.

Influence of Different Age of Seedlings and Micro Nutrient Management Practices on Growth and Yield Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under System of Rice Intensification

Background: The age of the seedlings at transplanting is a crucial component in achieving uniform rice stands since it influences prospective agronomic features. A micronutrient is the relative amount of a nutrient necessary for plant development. It participates in metabolic activities, enzymatic mechanisms. As a result, all of these, directly and indirectly, contribute to plant growth and development. The growth of rice depends on both the age of seedlings and micronutrients. So, based on the above considerations, we conducted our experiment entitled “Influence of different age of seedlings and micronutrient management practices on growth attributes and yield attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under system of rice intensification.” Methods: An experiment was conducted at experimental research farm Rampur, Selaqui, Doon PG College of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, Dehradun during kharif season of 2016. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with twelve treatments and was replicated thrice viz., in which factor A consists of different age of seedlings viz., 14 days, 21 days and 28 days and factor B consists application of micronutrients at different days viz., 0.5% ZnSO4, FeSO4 at 20 and 30 DAT. Result: The results of the study revealed that the 14 days age of seedling with the foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 at 20 and 30 DAT resulted in maximum plant height, no. of tillers/m2 and highest grain and straw yield.

Response of Yield and Fruit Quality to Foliar Application of Micronutrients in Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] cv. Assam Lemon

Assam lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.], an indigenous lemon cultivar of Assam, is widely cultivated in warm southern slopes of the Himalayas in North-Eastern India. Since this cultivar of lemon is having a prominent trait of bearing fruits in several flushes throughout the year, it is essential to provide sufficient nutrition for obtaining optimum yield with good quality fruits. In the current experiment, a randomized block design having twelve treatments with three replications was followed to find out the response of lemon fruit yield and quality to foliar application of micronutrients during the year 2019. Among all, the treatment ZnSO4 (0.2%) + FeSO4 (0.2%) + Borax (0.2%) + CuSO4 (0.2%) gave the best performance in improving the yield and quality of fruits. The highest number of fruits per plant at the time of harvesting (73), yield per plant (11.5 kg), fruit fresh weight (158 g), fruit length (9.60 cm), fruit diameter (5.80 cm), juice content (152 mL/fruit), TSS (6.40 °B), ascorbic acid (49.10 mg/100g), total sugar (6.30%), reducing sugar (3.90%), non-reducing sugar (2.40%) with lowest titratable acidity(3.13%) were obtained which revealed that the yield and fruit quality of lemon depends on the application of different micronutrients.

Effects of Foliar Application of Micronutrients On Growth, Yield and Quality of Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis (L.) Osbeck)

Calcareous and alkaline nature of soil hinders smooth up take of micronutrient from soil. Hence, the impact of foliar feeding of micronutrients (Zn, Fe, B, Cu) in different combinations on growth, yield and quality of sweet orange cv. Mosambi in a non-conventional citrus growing area was evaluated. Results revealed that treatment combination of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.2% + B @ 0.3% + Cu @ 0.1% (T9) followed by B @ 0.3% + Fe @ 0.2% (T6) and Zn @ 0.5% + B @ 0.3% (T7) was most effective for improving growth of Mosambi plants in terms of shoot length, leaf number, leaf area as well as photosynthetic efficiency of the plant. The yield per plant was also obtained maximum in T9 (14.94 kg). Further, fruit quality attributes in terms of TSS, total sugar, flavonoids, ascorbic acid content as well as antioxidant capacity of the fruit were recorded maximum in T9 with at par result in T6. Therefore, three foliar spray of Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.2% + B @ 0.3% + Cu @ 0.1% from May-July can be recommended to get maximum yield with better fruit quality from mosambi orchard under non-conventional track having calcareous and alkaline nature of soil. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 57-63, 2022 (March)

Nodule Parameters, Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Vegetable Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata (L.) Verdcourt] as Influenced by Foliar Application of Macro and Micro-nutrients

Background: Legumes are one of the major sources of dietary proteins for the people of India and is an inevitable component of vegetarians’ diet. Among them cowpea pods and seeds are rich source of protein and accrue delicacy in cuisines. Adequate amounts of fertilizers applied through most effective and economic means can raise productivity and profitability of cowpea cultivation. Hence the present study was formulated with an objective to study the effect of water-soluble macro and micro nutrient fertilizers on nodulation, quality and nutrient uptake of vegetable cowpea. Methods: Field experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram during the period from 12 November 2020 to 31 January 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments in 3 replications. The treatments comprised of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as control and RDF + foliar application of NPK 19:19:19 (0.5%) or potassium nitrate (0.5%) alone or in combination with ZnSO4 (0.05 %) and solubor (0.025%). Result: Foliar nutrition of micro and macro nutrients had significant effect on nodulation, quality and nutrient uptake. Foliar nutrition of 19:19:19 resulted in the production of higher number of nodules than KNO3. Among the treatments, RDF (20:30: 10 kg NPK ha-1) + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5% ) + solubor (0.025% ) at 45 DAS resulted in higher number of nodules and nodule fresh weight per plant, however higher number of effective nodules was recorded in RDF + foliar nutrition of 19:19:19 (0.5%) alone at 45 DAS. The highest uptake of N, P and K by the crop was also recorded in RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS. Zinc uptake was the highest in RDF + foliar application of KNO3 (0.5%) 45 and 60 DAS and B uptake was the highest in RDF + foliar application of KNO3 (0.5%) + solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS. The highest crude protein content was recorded in RDF + foliar nutrition of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + ZnSO4 (0.05%) and solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS fb 19:19:19 (0.5%) at 60 DAS. The treatment, RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS resulted in the highest number of pods and green pod yield per plant in bush type vegetable cowpea.

Productivity of Lentil as Affected by Micronutrient Application at Old Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Field trial was conducted to optimize the micronutrient application in lentil crop (Variety-WBL-77) at Regional Research Station (Old Alluvial Zone), Uttar BangaKrishi Viswavidyalaya, Majhian during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Foliar application of Fe, Zn and B (at 50 and 100 ppm each) were applied twice, first at pre anthesis stage and second at pod development stage. Parameters such as plant height (cm), dry matter (g/m2), number of nodules per plant and number of pods per plant were observed highest with T8(RDF+50 ppm Zn+Fe+B foliar spray) treatment whereas the T1 (RDF) showed the lowest value for each parameter. T3 (RDF+100 ppm Zn foliar spray) resulted with maximum 1000 seed weight (g). T8 (RDF+50 ppm Zn+Fe+B foliar spray) was also recorded with the highest seed yield (kg/ha), stover yield (kg/ha). Both T7 (RDF+100 ppm B foliar spray) and T8 (RDF+50 ppm Zn+Fe+B foliar spray) treatments were resulted with the same value of harvest index followed by the rest of the treatments. Therefore, the treatment T8 (RDF+50 ppm Zn+Fe+B foliar spray) proved best among the treatments selected and can be recommended for lentil (Variety-WBL-77).

Effect of spacing and micronutrients on yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) grown under protected structures

Proper plant spacing and foliar application of micronutrients is necessary for higher yield and quality. Theexperiment was conducted to determine the effect of spacing and micronutrients on fruit yield of bitter gourdgrown under protected structures (nethouse and polyhouse). The variety Pusa Rasdar (27.06 days) showed superiorperformance over Selection 32 (30.03 days) for opening of first female flower under net house. The wider spacing(30 cm × 50 cm) enhanced early female flower (28.29 days) compared to closer spacing (under nethouse). The PusaRasdar was superior for node number of first female flower (11.25 nodes) followed by Selection 32 (13.28 nodes)(under nethouse). The wider spacing (30 cm × 50 cm) had a significant effect on first node of female flower appearance(12.37 and 11.87 nodes) under polyhouse and net house. The maximum fruit weight was in Pusa Rasdar (206.89g) (under nethouse). The application of boron @0.2% and calcium @0.6% enhanced the number of fruits per plant(11.00 and 10.80) (under net house). The wider spacing (30 cm × 50 cm) also produced the highest number of fruitsper plant (11.37) in Pusa Rasdar (under net house) condition. The maximum fruit yield per plant was recorded in PusaRasdar (2122.70 g) compared to Selection 32 (1646.61 g) (under net house). The wider spacing (30 cm × 50 cm) alsoproduced maximum fruit yield (2137.25 g) in Pusa Rasdar (under net house). Therefore, higher yield of bitter gourdcould be obtained under net house with broader spacing (30 cm × 50 cm) along with proper doses of micronutrients(0.2% boron and 0.6% calcium).

Balanced Use of Zn, Cu, Fe, and B Improves the Yield and Sucrose Contents of Sugarcane Juice Cultivated in Sandy Clay Loam Soil

Balanced use of micronutrients in soils is essential for optimized nutrient use efficiency, environmental conservation and long-term sustainability of agro-ecological systems. As a result, maintaining correct micronutrient levels in the soil is essential not only to meet plant needs and maintain agricultural productivity but also to avoid nutrient build-up. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of micronutrient application on the yield and sucrose content expressed as the polarization of sugar cane juice (POL%) under field conditions. There were seven treatments, viz. T0 = No micronutrient application (control); T1 = ZnSO4 at the rate of 30 kg ha−1; T2 = CuSO4 at the rate of 10 kg ha−1; T3 = FeSO4 at the rate of 30 kg ha−1; T4 = borax at the rate of 2 kg ha−1; T5 = half dose of ZnSO4, CuSO4, FeSO4 and borax at the rate of 15, 5, 15 and 1 kg ha−1 and T6 = full dose of ZnSO4, CuSO4, FeSO4 and borax at the rate of 30, 10, 30 and 2 kg ha−1, arranged in randomized complete block design in triplicate. With the application of ZnSO4 at 30 kg ha−1 along with recommended doses of NPK, 30% more income was generated as compared with the control. Fist plant and ratoon crop yields were 19.08% and 22.03% higher, respectively, than in the control. Similarly, Zn application resulted in 5.91% and 8.64% greater sucrose contents (POL%) in plant and ratoon crops, respectively, when compared with the control. The application of ZnSO4 at the rate of 30 kg ha−1 along with recommended doses of NPK had a significant impact on the yield and sucrose contents of sugarcane.

Integrated application of plant bioregulator and micronutrients improves crop physiology, productivity and grain biofortification of delayed sown wheat.

Delay sowing of wheat is a common problem in Punjab that exacerbates serious yield loss. To reduce yield loss and improve yield, different combinations of foliar-applied bioregulator and micronutrients, control (CK), zinc (Zn), boron (B), thiourea (TU), Zn + B (ZnB), Zn + TU (ZnTU), B + TU (BTU), Zn + B + TU (ZnBTU) were applied at booting and grain filling stages in delayed sown wheat in 2017-18 and 2018-19. The results showed that ZnBTU treatment significantly increased leaf area index by 25.06% and 23.21%, spike length by 15.11% and 19.65% in 2017 and 2018, respectively, compared to CK. The ZnBTU treatment also increased 1000-grain weight by 21.96% and 22.01% in 2017 and 2018, respectively, compared to CK. Similarly, higher Zn, B and N contents in straw and grain were recoded for ZnBTU treatment which was statistically similar to ZnB and ZnTU treatments. Overall, ZnBTU treatment also increased the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance by 46.67%, 26.03%, 76.25% and decreased internal CO2 by 28.18%, compared to CK, respectively. Moreover, ZnBTU also recorded the highest grain yield in 2017-18 (25.05%) and 2018-19 (28.49%) than CK. In conclusion, foliar application of ZnBTU at the booting and grain filling stages of delayed sown wheat could be a promising strategy to increase grain yield.

Application of Sulphur Levels and Different Micronutrients on Yield and its Attributing Traits of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Sri Karan Narendra College of Agriculture, Jobner (Rajasthan) during 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment consisted of 20 treatment combinations with four soil application of sulphur (S0-control, S1-sulphur 20 kg/ha, S2-sulphur 40 kg/ha and S3-sulphur 60 kg/ha) and five levels of foliar application of micronutrients (M0-Control, M1-zinc sulphate @ 0.6%, M2-ferrous sulphate @ 0.2%, M3-borax @ 0.5 and M4-Ammonium molybdate @ 0.5%) in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study have clearly indicated that among sulphur levels, application of sulphur 60 kg/ha significantly improved growth parameters viz., neck thickness, number of cloves per plant, clove length, clove girth, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, enhanced significantly by application of sulphur 60 kg/ha (S3) in both the years as well as in pooled analysis. Similarly, among micronutrients foliar application of zinc sulphate @ 0.6% significantly influenced all the growth, yield attributes viz., neck thickness, number of cloves per plant, clove length, clove girth, polar diameter, equatorial diameter of garlic in both the years as well as in pooled analysis.

Productivity and Profitability of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Influenced by Drip Irrigation and Micronutrient Application Methods

A field experiment was conducted in split plot design with drip irrigation levels (0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 IW/CPE ratios) in main plot and micronutrient application methods (control, soil, foliar and fertigation) in sub plot during season at S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner Rabi (Rajasthan) during 2018. The scheduling of drip irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, siliquae per plant, seeds per siliqua, test weight and seed yield over 0.4 IW/CPE ratios, which was statistically at par with 0.6 IW/CPE ratio. Drip irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE ratio recorded higher monetary value. Among micronutrient application methods, fertigation significantly increased plant height at 80 DAS and at harvest, dry matter accumulation at all growth stages, siliquae per plant and seeds per siliqua, seed yield over all other application method. Higher net return and B: C ratio also under fertigation.

Foliar application of calcium and micronutrients for yield, quality and fruit shelf life enhancement in papaya var. Surya

An experiment was carried out to assess the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (boron and zinc) and calcium on yield characteristics, quality attributes and fruit shelf life of papaya (Carica papaya L.) var. Surya at College of Agriculture Vellayani during 2019-20.The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. Among different treatments, foliar application of borax (0.5%), zinc sulphate (0.5%) along with calcium nitrate (0.5%) had most favorable effect in increasing the yield characters likefruit weight (722 g), fruit length (21.0 cm), fruit girth (39.8 cm), fruit volume (709.3cc), pulp percentage(82.1%), flesh thickness (3.2cm), number of fruits plant-1 (50.5) and total yield plant-1 (36.5kg), qualitative attributes like TSS (14.5ºbrix), total carotenoids (2.2 mg 100g-1), ascorbic acid (65.3 mg 100g-1), total sugar (9.8 %)and shelf life of papaya fruits (7.0 days). The control plants showed the lowest values for fruit weight (384.2 g), fruit length (14.5 cm), fruit girth (26.8 cm), fruit volume (309cc), pulp percentage(61.3%), flesh thickness (1.8cm) and total yield plant-1 (13.6kg), qualitative attributes like TSS (11.1ºbrix), total carotenoids (1.4mg 100g-1), ascorbic acid (43.2mg 100g-1), total sugar (6.6%) and shelf life of papaya fruits (4.2 days). water spray recorded lowest value for number of fruits plant-1(35.2).