Application Of Zinc Sulphate Research Articles

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).

Soil and foliar applications of zinc sulfate and iron sulfate alleviate the destructive impacts of drought stress in wheat

Soil and foliar applications of zinc sulfate and iron sulfate alleviate the destructive impacts of drought stress in wheat

Exogenous Application of Zinc Sulphate at Heading Stage of Wheat Improves the Yield and Grain Zinc Biofortification

Wheat is the leading staple food in the world, particularly in developing countries, which lacks a mechanism of zinc absorption; when compared to pulses, more attention is consequently important to be given to the wheat crop. Micronutrient deficiencies and especially zinc deficiency influences one-third of the world population. In addition to this, it is also essential for the growth and development of plants and animals. A pot and field experiment was conducted to check the effect of foliar application of zinc sulphate on three different wheat varieties at the same time. Treatment consisted of three zinc levels (control, 4%, 6%) in the form of zinc sulphate (21% Zn) applications were applied on various wheat varieties (Zincol, Fakher-e-Bhakkar, Faisalabad-2008) at different growth stages (tillering, booting and heading). Different zinc levels showed different results on wheat varieties in both experiments. Results revealed that var. Fakher-e-Bhakkar was best at 6% zinc application for more plant height, the number of spikelets, spike length, 100-grain weight, biological and grain yield per plant as compared to other varieties and treatments. Antioxidants and nutritional quality (protein, gluten, starch and zinc contents) showed variable behavior both on wheat varieties and zinc application. It is concluded that Fakher-e-Bhakkar was found to be the most responsive cultivar at 6% zinc application for improvement in growth, yield-related traits and nutritional quality. So it is recommended for achieving maximum yield and yield components and grain zinc contents of wheat under agro-climatic conditions of Layyah, Punjab-Pakistan.

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.

Effect of Sulphur and Micronutrients on the Yield and Quality of Garlic (Allium sativum L)

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Sri Karan Narendra College of Agriculture, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan) to find out the effect of sulphur and micronutrients on yield and quality of garlic during Rabi seasons 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was carried out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twenty treatment combinations with four levels of sulphur (S0-control, S1-sulphur 20 kg/ha, S2-sulphur 40 kg/ha and S3-sulphur 60 kg/ha) and five levels of micronutrients (M0-Control, M1-zinc sulphate @ 0.6%, M2-ferrous sulphate @ 0.2%, M3-borax @ 0.5 and M4-Ammonium molybdate @ 0.5%). The sulphur was applied as soil application just before sowing and micronutrients (Zn, B, Fe and Mo) as foliar spray at 40 days after sowing. Recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers applied uniformly in whole experimental area. The results of the study have clearly indicated that among sulphur levels, application of sulphur 60 kg/ha significantly improved yield and quality parameters viz., average weight of clove, average weight of bulb, bulb yield per plot, per hectare, nitrogen content, phosphorus content, potassium content and sulphur content in bulb enhanced significantly by application of sulphur 60 kg/ha (S3) in both the years as well as in pooled analysis. Although, sulphur application at 40 kg/ha along with foliar application of zinc at 0.6 % was found at par to it. Similarly, among micronutrients foliar application of zinc sulphate @ 0.6% significantly influenced all the yield and quality parameters viz., average weight of clove, average weight of bulb, bulb yield/plot, bulb yield/hectare, nitrogen content, phosphorus content, potassium content and sulphur content in bulb of garlic in both the years as well as in pooled analysis.

Effect of potassium and zinc application on crop yield and uptake of nutrients in green gram (Vigna radiata L.) under coarse textured soils

The aim of present study was to find out the optimum dose and application effect of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) on green gram yield, nodulation, uptake and its build-up/depletion in soil to overcome the production of pulses in Haryana. A series of field experiments were conducted during kharif season from 2018 to 2020 at the Regional Research Station, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Bawal, Haryana. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four levels of K (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg K2O ha−1) in main plot and Zn (0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5 kg ZnSO4 ha−1) in sub-plot with three replications. The results revealed that application of K significantly affected the yield of green gram up to 20 kg K2O ha−1 whereas Zn application significantly affected the yield of green gram up to 25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1. The interaction between K and Zn was non-significant. The nodules fresh weight and number of nodules per plant increased significantly with the application K whereas, these parameters increased with the application of Zn but results were not significant. The K and Zn application significantly increased their content and uptake in seed and straw of green gram. The available K in soil was influenced by K application but was found to be significant with 20 and 30 kg K2O ha−1. The DTPA extractable Zn content in soil after harvest of crop was also significantly higher with the application of zinc sulphate.

Yield, zinc efficiencies and biofortification of wheat with zinc sulfate application in soil and foliar nanozinc fertilisation

Context Agronomic biofortification of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with zinc (Zn) is an effective approach to increase grain Zn concentration and productivity and alleviate Zn malnutrition in humans. Foliar Zn application is an alternative strategy to endorse soil Zn deficiency with better grain Zn partitioning. Aims This study aimed to better understand dose management of soil and foliar Zn application in wheat for biofortification. Methods The objectives was to evaluate the effect of foliar applied nano Zn doses (0, 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 kg/ha (zinc oxide, ZnO) 50% at tillering and 50% at grain filling in combination) with soil Zn application (0 and 8 kg/ha, as zinc sulfate) on growth, nutrition, Zn use efficiencies, intake and yield biofortification of wheat in 2019 and 2020 under Brazilian savanna. Key results Combined foliar and soil Zn application increased shoot and grains Zn concentration and accumulation with greater dry matter (9.8 and 10.6%) and grain yield (9.8 and 11%) of wheat as compared to control in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Zinc use efficiency (ZnUE), Zn utilisation efficiency and applied Zn recovery improved with soil Zn application and 2.5 kg/ha foliar nano Zn, but decreased with further increase in foliar Zn application. Zn sulfate stood out for increasing crop productivity while foliar spray with nano Zn for better grains biofortification of wheat. Conclusions Soil Zn application along with 3 kg/ha of foliar nano Zn increased plant and grains Zn concentration and accumulation, dry matter, grain yield, Zn partitioning index and Zn intake in wheat in tropical conditions of Brazil. Implications The combined application of soil and foliar Zn in harsh tropical savannah condition could better improve Zn nutrition, crop growth, and productivity with better Zn biofortification and intake of wheat.

Combined use of foliar zinc fertilisation, thiamethoxam and propiconazole does not reduce their effectiveness for enriching zinc in wheat grains and controlling insects and disease

Agronomic biofortification is possible through foliar zinc fertilisation around the earing and early milk stage of wheat. Farmers can be encouraged to apply foliar zinc fertilisation if there is yield enhancement or if it is compatible with other pesticides which are used during these stages to control aphid and stripe rust. To investigate the effectiveness of tank-mix applications of fertiliser and pesticide for enriching grain zinc and controlling the spread of aphid and stripe rust, studies were conducted at Punjab Agricultural Univeristy, Ludhiana, India for 4 years (2017–18 to 2020–21). We tested tank-mixing of zinc (0.5% ZnSO4.7H2O) + thiamethoxam 25 WG (50 g/ha), zinc + propiconazole (500 mL/ha) and zinc + thiamethoxam + propiconazole with one foliar application at the milk stage and two foliar applications at the flag leaf and milk stages. We did not find any adverse effect of tank-mix application of zinc sulfate, thiamethoxam and propiconazole on zinc enrichment in grains, nor in aphid and stripe rust control. The grain zinc enhancement was 99.8–114.9, 100.2–112.1 and 98.0–115.5% with application of foliar Zn, foliar Zn + thiamethoxam and foliar Zn + thiamethoxam and propiconazole respectively. We also found 5.74% increased grain yield with foliar Zn + thiamethoxam and 7.24% increased grain yield in foliar Zn + thiamethoxam + propiconazole. Better net returns in combining Zn + thiamethoxam + propiconazole were also recorded. The results advocate for the tank-mix application of Zinc + thiamethoxam + propiconazole for pest management and Zn biofortification.

Impact of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Intervention on Yield and Economics of Chickpea Cultivation in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

To promote improved chickpea varieties along with profitable crop management technologies, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Nandyal organized demonstrations on chickpea improved varieties along with crop package of practices in 210 tribal farmer’s fields (84 ha) under Tribal Sub Plan during 2018-2021 in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The technology interventions included improved varieties (Nandyal Gram 49 and Nandyal Gram 119), seed treatment with vitavax power (1.5 g/kg seed), basal application of zinc sulphate, erection of pheromone traps @ 10/ha, prophylactic spray of neem oil and use of need based plant protection chemicals. The average yield of demonstration field with improved desi variety Nandyal Gram 49 (14.36 q/ha) was 19 per cent higher than the existing farmers practice (12.05 q/ha) and the average yield of 13.16 q/ ha was recorded with improved kabuli variety Nandyal Gram 119 which resulted in 7.78 per cent yield increase over farmers practice (JG11/Vihar) (12.21 q/ha). These demonstrations resulted not only in higher yield, but the higher net returns and cost benefits indicated the worth of improved varieties and scope for further spread of other technological interventions in farmers’ holdings.

Zinc sulfate application to grass forages (oat, barley, annual ryegrass and triticale) for increasing their yield, quality and profitability

Livestock is a major component of agriculture, and a continuous supply of nutritious forage/fodder is necessary for sustainable livestock production. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global concern for human as well as animal health, but Zn fertilisation for productivity and biofortification of forages is not well understood. Therefore, a 2-year field study was conducted to investigate the influence of soil-applied ZnSO4 on morphological traits, yield, nutritional quality and Zn biofortification in four forages. The grass forages (oat, barley, annual ryegrass and triticale) were factorially combined with four levels of soil-applied ZnSO4 (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha−1) and two harvesting stages (booting and 50% heading). The treatments were arranged in a triplicate randomised complete block design with a split–split plot arrangement where grass forage species were kept in main plots, ZnSO4 application in subplots and harvest stage in subsub plots. ZnSO4 fertilisation significantly improved morphological traits, dry-matter yield, crude protein, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and shoot Zn concentration in all grass forages at both harvesting stages. Best performance for yield, quality traits, and Zn contents across all crops was observed where ZnSO4 was applied at 15 kg ha−1 and harvested at 50% heading stage. The highest economic returns were provided by triticale and annual ryegrass with 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 harvested at 50% heading. In conclusion, for a profitable forage production with good nutritional quality and Zn biofortification, triticale and annual ryegrass may be recommended with a 15 kg ZnSO4 ha−1 fertilisation.

Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) Fertilization for Improving the Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Biochemical Constituents in Capsicum Hybrids

Micronutrients, particularly Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn), play a vital role in the growth and development of plants due to their catalytic effect on many metabolic processes. However, the biochemical responses to the applied micronutrients vary with cultivars and their species. A screening experiment was conducted during 2020 to know the antioxidants enzyme activities and biochemical constituents in response to iron and zinc fertilization by six capsicum hybrids grown in grow bags under shade net conditions. The experiment consists of three treatments viz., Control (No Fe & Zn), 50 kg FeSO4 and 37.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 as a basal soil application with six capsicum hybrids viz., Indra, Priyanka, Inspiration, Massilia, Bachata, and Local green. Leaf samples of the capsicum hybrids were collected at Fruiting stage and analysed for antioxidant enzyme activities. The fruit samples were used for quantifying the biochemical constituents. The results revealed that, application of ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) to capsicum hybrids increased the biochemical constituents in fruits and the antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves. Out of the six hybrids tested, Indra possessed higher ascorbic acid content (9.20 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight), acidity (6.0), and total soluble solids (6.10 Brix) in the fruits, which was followed by Inspiration and Bachata. The superoxide dismutase (6.70 unit’s mg-1 protein) and peroxidase (6.90 unit’s g-1 fresh weight) activities were also higher with the same genotypes. The biochemical constituents and antioxidant enzyme response to Zn addition was better than Fe. There was 13.2, 10.9 and 9.5 per cent increase in titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content in the fruits of Indra due to ZnSO4 application.The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering revealed that Indra is highly responsive to Zn and Fe fertilization, while the local green showed very less response. The rest of the genotypes such as Inspiration, Bachata, Massilia, and Priyanka, are medium responsive for Zn and Fe fertilization.

Combined foliar application of zinc sulphate and selenite affects the magnitude of selenium biofortification in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

AbstractCombined foliar application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and selenium (Se) has been practiced in wheat biofortification. However, it remains elusive that whether the combined application affects Zn and Se distribution to grain, the efficacy of biofortification and bioavailability in wheat, due to the accompanying sulphate sources. Selenite and ZnSO4 were applied either alone or simultaneously to foliage of wheat in field, and their impacts on Zn and Se partitioning in plants, enrichment and bioavailability in whole grain, bran and flour, as well as amino acid profile in flour, were closely investigated. Grain yield was not influenced by any of the foliar Zn and Se applications. Grain Zn and Se concentrations reached 58.3–77.9 and 0.30–0.74 mg kg−1 in Zn‐ and Se‐sprayed plants, respectively, and the estimated daily‐absorbed Zn by a reference adult from grain and flour were enhanced by 1.2‐ to 2.4‐fold than the control, as well as 16.8‐fold increase on average for daily Se intake. Combined Zn and Se application led to a 32%–37% reduction in Se concentrations and daily Se intake of whole grain and flour in one of the two seasons when compared with the foliar Se spray alone, which was partly associated with the reduced Se distribution to grains. Alternatively, similar responsive patterns of methionine and cysteine with grain and flour Se concentrations further suggested that zinc sulphate and selenium interactions in Se accumulation act through the metabolism of sulphur‐containing amino acids in wheat plants. Further, the substantial Zn enrichment in flour paralleled to the increase of amino acid profiles such as aspartate, glutamate, glycine and lysine, but not to the total amino acid content. Overall, wheat was successfully biofortified with Zn and Se through combined foliar applications, although an antagonistic impact of ZnSO4 spray on the magnitude of Se biofortification occurred in some cases.

Feeding zinc biofortified sorghum stover decreases zinc deficiency in sheep

Study was conducted to evaluate feeding zinc (Zn) biofortifed sorghum stover to ameliorate Zn deficiency in sheep. The sorghum stover grown on zinc fortified soil was used for experimental feeding to Zn deficient sheep and compared with feeding unfortified stover as control for 120 days period. Application of zinc sulfate to soil @ 25 kg/ha increased the sorghum stover yield by 4.20 tonnes/hectare and enhanced the Zn content of stover by 14.4 ppm. Higher Zn intake in sheep fed biofortified stover resulted in significantly higher apparent gut absorption of Zn (37.2 vs 30.1%) and higher bioavailable Zn (6.12 vs 3.20 mg). Feeding Zn biofortified sorghum stover resulted in increase in plasma Zn content and the level was significantly higher after 3rd month of feeding the biofortified stover. The average plasma Zn content was significantly higher in group fed biofortified sorghum stover (1.14 vs 0.90 ppm). This resulted in higher Zn content in liver (150 vs 130 ppm, DM), enhanced activity of plasma superoxide dismutase (15.5 vs 10.3 Units/min) and better immune response to Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccination (76.8 vs 59.5% inhibition). The results of this study prove that Zn fertilization of deficient soils is a practical method to increase the Zn content of stover and feeding of such biofortified stover can ameliorate the Zn deficiency in sheep.

Response of physiological traits, antioxidant enzymes and nutrient uptake of soybean to Azotobacter Chroococcum and zinc sulfate under salinity

Globally, one of the key restrictions on agricultural production is salinity and its impact is expected to increase. As a result, it is necessary to improve crop salinity tolerance. One promising approach is the use of plant nutrition technologies such as the application of zinc sulfate (Zn) and Azotobacter chroococcum (Az) which may improve plant survival under environmental stresses. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with three replications and included four levels of salinity (0, 40, 60 and 80 mM NaCl) in combination with four treatments [control, 2 mM zinc sulfate foliar application (Zn), inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum (Az) and co-application of Az and Zn (Az+Zn)]. The results indicate that exposure to salinity increased soybean contents of anthocyanin, malondialdehyde (MDA), osmolytes, sodium ion (Na+), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes However, the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoid, relative water content (RWC), maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII; Fv/Fm), membrane stability index (MSI), and ion contents decreased. Application of Zn and inoculation with Az enhanced the chlorophyll (a, b and a+b), carotenoid, RWC, Fv/Fm, MSI, anthocyanin, osmolytes, N, K+, P contents, and K+/Na+; the activities of CAT, SOD, POX, and APX as well as MDA and Na+ contents were reduced. Overall our results reveal that combined Zn and Az application was the most effective treatment for alleviating the negative effects of salinity stress in soybean.

Agronomic biofortification with zinc on yield, nutritional quality, nutrient uptake and economics of babycorn

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of agronomic biofortification with zinc on yield, nutritional quality, nutrient uptake and economics of babycorn under irrigated condition. The observations on yield viz., green cob yield, babycorn yield and green fodder yield and quality parameters (crude protein, total soluble sugars, starch and Zn content) were recorded at harvest stage. The nutrient uptake was analysed at different growth stages and economic indices viz., the total cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio were worked out for various zinc fertilization treatments. Increased green cob yield and babycorn yield was recorded higher in soil application of zinc sulphate @ 37.5 kg ha-1 along with a foliar spray of 1.0 % on 20 and 40 DAS. Quality parameters of babycorn viz., crude protein, total soluble sugars, starch and Zn content in corn were significantly increased with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 along with a foliar spray of 0.5% at 20 and 40 DAS that recorded higher values of these quality characters. Plant nutrient uptake of N, K and Zn in babycorn was significantly increased with the application of ZnSO4 @ 37.5 kg ha -1 in soil with foliar spray of 0.5% at 20 and 40 DAS. Higher net monetary returns and B: C ratio were obtained with application of ZnSO4@ 37.5 kg ha -1in soil with foliar spray @ 0.5% on 20 and 40 DAS.

Impact of Zinc Fertilization on Yield, Yield Attributes and Quality Parameters of Finger Millet Varieties under Rainfed alfisols of Southern Zone, Andhra Pradesh

Aims: To study the effect of zinc fertilization through soil and foliar at different stages of finger millet on yield, yield attributes and quality in two major finger millet varieties under rainfed alfisols of southern zone, Andhra Pradesh
 Study Design: Split-plot design
 Place and Duration of Study: Wetland farm, S.V Agricultural College, Tirupati and during kharif season of 2019 and 2020 (Two seasons)
 Methodology: Zinc fertilization to two major finger millet varieties viz., Vakula and Tirumala through soil and foliar application at different crop stages with following treatments viz., Control (No fertilizers and manures); RDF (60 -30-20 kg N-P-K + FYM @ 4 t ha-1); RDF + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 as basal; RDF+Soil application of chelated-ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1; RDF+foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at ear head emergence stage; RDF+foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at grain filling stage; and RDF+foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at ear head emergence and grain filling stage. The yield, yield attributes and quality parameters viz., protein, zinc and iron content in grains were determined by adopting standard protocols.
 Results: The application of zinc significantly (p<0.05) improved the yield and quality parameters over control. The foliar application of 0.2% ZnSO4 at ear head emergence and grain filling stage was significantly (p≤0.05) improved the yield and yield attributes of finger millet over RDF. The grain yield, straw yield, no. of productive tillers per plant, no. of fingers per plant were increased to 57.0%, 83.2%, 44.6% and 51.7%, respectively over RDF i.e., 60-30-20 kg N-P-K + FYM @ 4 t ha-1. The quality parameters namely protein, grain zinc and iron also increased up to 40.7%, 69.5% and 43.2%, respectively over RDF.
 Conclusion: Application of zinc sulphate at ear head emergence and grain filling stages enhanced the yield, yield parameters and quality parameters compared to other treatments of tirumala variety under rainfed alfisols of southern zone of Andhra Pradesh.

Effect of foliar application of micronutrients and soil application of zinc sulphate on total chlorophyll and carotenoid content in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. blood red

The present investigation was carried out for two consecutive years of 2016 and 2017 at experimental orchard of Department of Horticulture, CCS HAU, Hisar to assess the performance of sweet orange cv. Blood Red to foliar application of micronutrients and soil application of zinc sulphate. In experiment I, the foliar application of micronutrients was done two times i.e. Ist spray was done on first week of april and 2nd spray on first week of july. The experiment comprises of thirteen treatments, viz., Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) @ 0.25%, 0.50% &1.00%; Iron sulphate (FeSO4) @ 1.5%, 2.0% & 2.5%; Manganese sulphate (MnSO4) @ 0.25%, 0.50% & 1.00%; Boric acid (H3BO3) @ 0.1%, 0.2% & 0.3% and Control (No micronutrients). In experiment II, the soil application of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) was done two times i.e. half dose in second fortnight of february and half dose in second fortnight of May. The experiment comprises of six treatments, viz., Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) @ 50 g/plant, 100 g/plant, 150 g/plant, 200 g/plant, 250 g/plant and Control (No Zn application). Results indicated that foliar application of micronutrients and soil application of zinc sulphate affected significantly the chlorophyll and carotenoid content.

A New Approach in Agronomic Biofortification for Improving Zinc and Iron Content in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Grain with Simultaneous Foliar Application of Zinc Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate and Urea

The investigation was undertaken with the aim of studying the effect of individual and tank mix applications of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and urea on zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) biofortification of chickpea. A field experiment was conducted in 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 with treatments comprising individual and tank mix applications of ZnSO4 (0.5%), FeSO4 (0.5%) and urea (2%) at flowering and pod formation stages along with control (no nutrient application). Tank mix foliar application of ZnSO4 (0.5%) + FeSO4 (0.5%) + urea (2%) resulted in similar Zn (44.01 and 43.01 mg Zn kg−1 grain in the first and second year of study) and Fe (71.08 and 73.91 mg Fe kg−1 grain) content as in case of individual application of these nutrients (45.08 and 45.00 mg Zn kg−1 and 71.41 and 74.16 mg Fe kg−1 grain) thus showing a positive impact over unsprayed control (25.08 and 25.53 mg Zn kg−1 and 47.58 and 48.66 mg Fe kg−1 grain). Addition of urea (2%) helped in further improvement of Zn and Fe contents over ZnSO4 (0.5%) + FeSO4 (0.5%) spray only. Both tank mix application and individual application of these nutrients recorded significantly higher grain yield and protein content over sole application and control. Tank mix application of ZnSO4 (0.5%), FeSO4 (0.5%) and urea (2%) at flowering and pod formation stages of chickpea is a new method of biofortification which improves Zn and Fe contents and needs a special attention for improving malnutrition in humans.

Effect of zinc and boron on seed yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)

The field experiment was carried out in the olericulture unit, MARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2019-2020 to study the effect of zinc and boron on seed yield and quality of onion on variety cv. Bhima super at different levels of both basal and foliar application. The treatments consists of soil application of zinc sulphate (5 kg/ha and 10 kg/ ha), Borax (4 kg/ha and 6 kg/ha) and foliar application of zinc sulphate (0.25 % and 0.5 %), Borax (0.1 % and 0.2 %) and control without micronutrient application replicated thrice in a Randomized Block Design. The foliar application was given at 45 days after bulb planting. From the present investigation, a significant increase in seed yield and quality parameters were recorded with foliar spray of zinc sulphate (0.5 %) and borox (0.2 %) viz., seed yield per plant (4.29 g), seed yield per plot (214.13 g) and seed yield per hectare (9.91q/ha). The germination percentage was found maximum from the treatment foliar application of zinc sulphate (0.5 %) (84.8%) and the other seed quality parameters was found best from the treatment foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.5%) and B (0.2 %) i.e., higher shoot length (8.83 cm), root length (7.21 cm), seedling vigour index (1352) and test weight (3.75 g). The non-significant differences were observed due to influence of soil and foliar application of zinc and boron on electrical conductivity and seedling dry weight.

Effect of Zinc Fertilization on Physiological Parameters, Nutrient Uptake, Yield and Economics of Babycorn

A field experiment was conducted during late Kharif (September-November) of the year 2018 at Eastern Block Farm, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to find out the effect of agronomic bio-fortification with zinc on physiological parameters, nutrient uptake, yield and economics of babycorn under irrigated condition. The field experiment was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments comprised of T1: No zinc (control), T2: Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4) at 25 kgha-1 as soil application, T3: ZnSO4 at 37.5 kgha-1 as soil application, T4: Foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 0.5% on 20 and 40 DAS, T5: Foliar spray of ZnSO4 at 1.0% on 20 and 40 DAS, T6: ZnSO4 at 25 kgha-1 as soil application + foliar spray at 0.5% on 20 and 40 DAS, T7 : ZnSO4 at 25 kgha-1 as soil application + foliar spray at 1.0% on 20 and 40 DAS, T8: ZnSO4 at 37.5 kgha-1 as soil application + foliar spray at 0.5% on 20 and 40 DAS, T9: ZnSO4 at 37.5 kgha-1 as soil application + foliar spray at 1.0% on 20 and 40 DAS. Babycorn hybrid G-5414 was used to experiment with a plant spacing of 45 cm x 25 cm. The results showed that the combined application of zinc sulphate @ 37.5 kgha-1 with 0.5% foliar spray at 20 and 40 DAS recorded significantly higher Crop Growth Rate (CGR) (31.07, 30.83) gcm-2day-1, Relative Growth Rate (RGR) (110.25, 31.67) mgg-1day-1 and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) (9.65, 4.54) mgcm-2day-1 at 25-45 DAS and 45 DAS - harvest intervals respectively. NPK uptake was recorded higher in (T8) and green cob yield was recorded higher in (T9) at harvest stage. Green fodder yield and higher benefit cost ratio was obtained higher with soil application of zinc sulphate @ 37.5 kgha-1 with 0.5% foliar spray at 20 and 40 DAS.