Different Levels Of Zn Research Articles

Response of mungbean to different level of macro and micronutrient

An experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during Kharif I season 2024, in order to investigate the effects of zinc and calcium on growth and yield of BARI mug 6. Three levels of zinc (0, 1.5 and 3.0 kg ha-1) and four levels of calcium (0,50,75,100 ppm) were applied for the study. BARI mug 6 was used as plant material. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with three replications. Almost all the parameters were significantly influenced by different levels of Zn, Ca and their combinations. Considering interaction of Zn and Ca, the highest plant height (66.29 cm), number of flowers plant-1 (29.00) and number of nodules plant-1 (29.32) were obtained from the treatment combination of Zn3Ca4 where the highest chlorophyll content (Chl-a = 1.03 μg g-1, Chl-b = 1.32 μg g-1 and total = 2.48 μg g-1) were obtained from the treatment combination of Zn3Ca3.The highest dry weight plant-1 (24.70 g), number of pods plant-1 (23.24), number of seeds pod-1 (11.86), number of fertile seeds pod-1 (10.00), pod length (cm) (7.80), weight of 1000 seed (46.49), weight of seeds plant-1 (12.69), seed yield (1257 kg ha-1), stover yield (1566 kg ha-1), biological yield (2923 kg ha-1) and harvest index (43.87%) were achieved from the treatment combination of Zn2Ca3. Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 2, August 2024: 159-171

Investigating the Impact of Zinc on Chlorophyll Content and Leaf Area in Arecanut Seedlings

A sand culture experiment was carried out at ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Vittal in the year 2021, to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of Zinc (Zn) on chlorophyll content and leaf area in arecanut seedlings. Eight varieties of arecanut seedlings (Mangala, Swarnamangala, Madhuramangala, Shatamangala, South Kanara local (S K local), Thirthahalli, Sirsi arecanut selection -1 (SAS -1), Hirehalli dwarf) were cultivated in a naturally ventilated glasshouse using sand culture provided with 0.031, 0.093 and 0.156 ppm of Zn. After six months of growth, the seedlings were assessed for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, and total leaf area. The results indicated that the chlorophyll content and total leaf area of arecanut seedlings were significantly influenced by different varieties and varying levels of zinc supplementation. Maximum values for both chlorophyll content and total leaf area were observed at a Zn concentration of 0.093 ppm (Z2 level). This study suggests that among the different levels of Zn, a concentration of 0.093 ppm (medium level) is optimal for promoting the growth of arecanut seedlings.

Foliar Application of Different Levels of Zinc and Boron on the Growth and Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiate L.)

An experiment was conducted during Kharif-1 of 2022 at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Substation, Satkhira to know the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (zinc and boron) on the growth and yield of mungbean. There were three levels of zinc (Zn) (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%) and boron (B) (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%) along with a blanket dose of urea (35 kg ha-1, triple super phosphate (TSP) (80 kg ha-1), murite of potash (MoP) (40 kg ha-1) and Sulphur (60 kg ha-1). The growth and yield of mungbean was significantly affected by foliar application of different levels of Zn and B. Results revealed that foliar application of Zn at the rate of 0.6% and at the rate of B 0.6% along with recommended dose at 45 days after sowing increases the branches/plant, fresh weight (g), dry weight (g), chlorophyll content, flower/plant, pod/plant, seed/pod thereby increase seed yield. Therefore, the foliar spray of 0.6% Zn significantly increased and influenced 1000 seed weight (g), decreased days to flowering, increased number of seed/pod and yield ton/ha along with blanket dose of Urea, TSP, MoP, gypsum might be considered as suitable dose for mungbean production in southern region of Bangladesh.

The Effects of Coexisting Elements (Zn and Ni) on Cd Accumulation and Rhizosphere Bacterial Community in the Soil-Tomato System

The increasing cadmium (Cd) levels in agricultural soils have become a worldwide concern for food crop security. Cd accumulation in the soil-plant system is closely related to other coexisting factors. In this study, the effects of different levels of Zn or Ni on Cd accumulation in tomato plants and on the rhizosphere soil bacterial community structure were analyzed by coupling pot experiments with high-throughput sequencing. The results demonstrated that tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Zn-Cd and Ni-Cd co-contaminated soils exhibited lower relative growth rates. Co-contamination at low levels tended to reduce the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the roots of plants, whereas increased contaminant concentrations produced the opposite effect. In the presence of 200 mg/kg Zn or 20 mg/kg Ni, the biomass of plant roots increased by 4.95–23.16% and the Cd content of the plant roots decreased by 17.36–68.93% due to the antagonistic effects between Cd and Zn/Ni. In addition, the richness and diversity of the bacterial community were significantly altered under HMs co-contamination, and the number of special bacteria was positively correlated with the level of heavy metals in the rhizosphere soil. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased and that of Actinobacteria decreased in soils with low levels of heavy metals. This may improve the tolerance of plant roots to heavy metals and reduce the accumulation of Cd in plant roots. These findings highlight the important role of coexisting elements in the inhibition of Cd accumulation in tomatoes and offer important information for the production of safe crops.

Different responses to joint exposure to cadmium and zinc depends on the sex in Populus cathayana

The alarming increase in soil contamination by heavy metals, such as cadmium and zinc demands immediate attention. The dioecious tree Populus cathayana, a phytoremediation plant, plays an important role in rehabilitating heavy metal contaminated areas. In this study, male and female P. cathayana plants were treated with Cd (20 mg kg−1) and different levels of Zn (25, 50, or 100 mg kg−1) to study their physiological responses. The results showed that Cd exposure alone caused stress by inhibiting the growth of both male and female plants. In both males and females, photosynthesis and antioxidant enzymes activities decreased substantially under Cd stress alone. Cd was largely located in the roots, but Zn was present in the shoots of both sexes. Zn supplementation considerably increased the photosynthetic rate from 14.62 % to 60.45 % and also enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activities from 24.11 % to 86.21 %. Zn treatment decreased the translocation ability of Cd compared to the Cd-only treatment, alleviating Cd toxicity. In addition, when sufficient Zn was made available, males showed a high degree of Cd accumulation, low root-to-shoot translocation, elevated antioxidant defense abilities, and an increased photosynthetic rate, while females were less responsive to Cd stress than males. Thus, combined exposure to Cd and Zn caused differential responses in plant growth and physiological processes between males and females P. cathayana. Male plants exhibit better Cd tolerance and accumulation capacity under optimum Zn supplementation. This study increases the fundamental knowledge regarding P. cathayana plants, which can be applied to enhance their remediation capacity in Cd-contaminated soils.

Response of Dashehari mango to different Zn levels on yield and pulp nutrient contents grown on sandy loam soils of Lucknow

Dashehari is the leading mango variety grown in Indo-Gangetic plain. Its yield is affected severely by the micronutrient deficiencies. Zinc and boron are the two important micronutrients which limit the yield and quality of Dashehari mango in this region. Hence a field study was taken up to understand the responses of Dashehari mango to different levels of Zn. Results indicated yield enhancement with proper Zn supplementation through foliar sprays. Highest yield of 43.50±2.00 to 50.72±2.40 kg tree-1 was recorded with 1.0% ZnSO4 application, followed by 42.27±1.26 (1.5% ZnSO4) to 47.85±1.65 (0.75% ZnSO4) kg tree-1. TSS (19.63±0.25 to 20.27±0.40°Brix), acidity (0.150±0.01 to 0.200±0.02%) and ascorbic acid (29.46±2.29 to 35.17±1.32 mg per 100 g) variations were noted under the influence of various Zn treated fruits. Foliar spray application also caused nutrient richness in mango fruit pulp showing improvement in Zn concentration in fruit pulp from 1.17±0.10 to 1.73±0.10 mg kg-1. Highest concentration of B, Cu, Fe and Mn were observed (3.13±0.018, 4.37±0.06, 7.87±0.06, 20.10±0.15 mg kg-1 respectively) with P and K concentrations of 0.026±0.0002 & 0.28±0.001% respectively. Significant difference in leaf and soil Zn content was also recorded. The results indicated that yield and quality of Dashehari mango can be improved with foliar spray of Zn in sandy loam soil.

Effect of zinc and boron management on yield and yield contributing characters of Aus rice (Oryza sativa)

Zinc (Zn) and boron (B) are two of the most important micronutrients for plants which play vital role in various metabolic functions. However, deficiency of these nutrients elements in agricultural soils is very common and it has been associated with lower yield of rice in many regions of the world. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh during the period from May 2019 to August 2019 to study the effect of different levels of Zn and B fertilizers on the yield of Aus rice (cv. BRRI dhan48). The experiment included four levels of Zn fertilizer (ZnSO4.7H2O) management and three levels of boron fertilizer (boric acid) management. The Zn treatments were 0 kg/ha (control), basal application @ 10 kg/ha, basal application @ 5 kg/ha + soil application during active tillering stage @ 5 kg/ha, and foliar application (0.5% solution of ZnSO4.7H2O) during flag leaf stage. The B fertilizer managements were 0 kg/ha (control, 1.5 kg/ha basal application, and foliar application of 2% solution of H3BO3 during flag leaf stage. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Zn and B boosted all studied parameters of rice in comparison to their controls, i.e., no fertilization. The highest values for grain yield and almost all yield contributing characters of rice were obtained from foliar application of H3BO3 during flag leaf stage. The highest number of filled grains/panicle and grain yield were obtained from foliar application of ZnSO4.7H2O. The results also showed that grain yield of rice increased with increasing levels of both Zn and B up to 4.39 t/ha and 4.29 t/ha, respectively. For the maximum grain yield of Aus rice cv. BRRI dhan49, 2% solution of H3BO3 coupled with 0.5% of ZnSO4.7H2O solution should be applied during flag leaf stage. Further research should be conducted on different agro-ecological zones to assess the interaction between Zn and B in different soil types.

Yield sustainability in mango (Mangifera indica) as influenced by different levels of foliar Zn sprays

Zn nutrient technology impacting mango (Mangifera indica L.) sustainability and nutrient components in pulp, peel and stone of fruit needs to be addressed on sandy loam soils for farmers’ benefit. ICAR networking field trials on micronutrient management in horticultural crops for enhancing yield and quality were conducted at ICAR-CISH, Rehmankhera, Lucknow during 2015–18. The results showed highest sustainable yield index of 0.87 followed by 0.83 with least sustainable yield index of 0.67. The yield increment was 4.3–27.1% in different levels of Zn (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% ZnSO4) as compared to control plot trees. Nutrient components suggested significant positive role of Zn application at different fruit setting to developmental stages. Maximum B, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe was noted to be 28.1 ppm, 8 ppm, 26 ppm, 40 ppm, 119 ppm, respectively, along with P & K content of 0.123%, 2.01%, respectively, in pulp of Dashehari fruits. Similar changes in peel and stone nutrient content were also observed. Data indicated that optimum to sufficient range of micronutrients is indeed required for better yield sustainability in mango.

Enhancing the nutritional value of Portulaca oleracea L. by using soilless agronomic biofortification with zinc

Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role for human health. Zn deficiency is a common problem worldwide, causing health problems specifically related with detrimental effects on immune system. In this study we used hydroponic floating system and nutrient solutions (NS) with different levels of Zn (0.13 – control, 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mg/L Zn) in order to test a biofortification process aimed to increase the Zn tissue content of two different varieties (commercial and wild) of purslane. We evaluated the effects of the treatments on yield, visual and overall nutritional quality of the edible part of plants.Biofortification treatments did not affect plant yield, but increased the Zn content in the edible part of purslane by 1.8, 2.3 and 2.7-fold, respectively with 1.3, 2.6 and 5.2 mg/L Zn in the NS, so that the consumption of a serving portion of 150 g of baby leaf purslane biofortified with the highest Zn concentration would account for 21% of RDA (recommended daily allowance) for this nutrient. The Zn biofortification process did not affect colour parameters, therefore no differences in the product visual quality were observed. Zn treatment with 5.2 mg/L allowed to obtain an increase in neoxanthin, lutein and β-carotene, while it was not possible to outline a common trend for the fatty acids profile in relation to the Zn treatments. The consumption of hydroponic purslane biofortified with Zn may allow to improve the Zn nutritional status of consumers, and provides different important phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and unsaturated fatty acids.

Zinc Methionine Improves the Growth Performance of Meat Ducks by Enhancing the Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Barrier Function

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn-Met) on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function of meat ducks. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old male Cherry Valley ducks were randomly divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates (10 birds each), and fed diets with 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 or 150 mg/kg Zn for 35 d. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with Zn-Met substantially increased the average daily gain (ADG), and reduced the feed to gain ratio (F/G) during 1–35 d (P < 0.05). Dietary Zn-Met markedly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the jejunum (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of critical antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were increased by Zn in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Supplementation with 60, 90, 120, and 150 mg/kg of Zn significantly reduced the diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in the serum (P < 0.05). Different levels of Zn can increase the mRNA expression of occluding (OCLN) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Diets supplemented with zinc significantly increased the content of mucin2 (MUC2), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the jejunum of meat ducks (P < 0.05). The 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that 150 mg/kg of Zn had a higher relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Akkermansia in cecal digesta (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Zn-Met improved the growth performance of meat ducks by enhancing intestinal antioxidant capacity and intestinal barrier function. This study provides data support for the application of Zn-Met in meat duck breeding.

Investigating zinc toxicity responses in marine Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus.

Marine plastic pollution is a growing concern worldwide and has the potential to impact marine life via leaching of chemicals, with zinc (Zn), a common plastic additive, observed at particularly high levels in plastic leachates in previous studies. At this time, however, little is known regarding how elevated Zn affects key groups of marine primary producers. Marine cyanobacterial genera Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus are considered to be some of the most abundant oxygenic phototrophs on earth, and together contribute significantly to oceanic primary productivity. Here we set out to investigate how two Prochlorococcus (MIT9312 and NATL2A) and two Synechococcus (CC9311 and WH8102) strains, representative of diverse ecological niches, respond to exposure to high Zn concentrations. The two genera showed differences in the timing and degree of growth and physiological responses to elevated Zn levels, with Prochlorococcus strains showing declines in their growth rate and photophysiology following exposure to 27 µg l−1 Zn, while Synechococcus CC9311 and WH8102 growth rates declined significantly on exposure to 52 and 152 µg l−1 Zn, respectively. Differences were also observed in each strain’s capacity to maintain cell wall integrity on exposure to different levels of Zn. Our results indicate that excess Zn has the potential to pose a challenge to some marine picocyanobacteria and highlights the need to better understand how different marine Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus strains may respond to increasing concentrations of Zn in some marine regions.

Effect of Zinc and Boron Application on Lycopene and Nutritional Qualities of Tomato

A pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to examine the effect of different levels of Zn and B on the major biochemical and nutritional quality of tomato fruits. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications along with two treatment factors viz., (i) four levels of Zn- like control, Zn @ 4.0 kg ha-1, Zn @ 6.0 kg ha-1 and Zn @ 8.0 kg ha-1; and (ii) three levels of B- like control, B @ 2.0 kg ha-1 and B @ 3.0 kg ha-1. Among the biochemical parameters- lycopene, total acidity, and vitamin C contents in tomato fruits ranged from 3.24-3.76 mg 100 g-1, 0.26-0.36%, and 21.76-26.40 mg 100 g-1 samples, respectively. The study results revealed that the highest amounts of lycopene and vitamin C were recorded from B @ 2.0 kg ha-1. Combined Zn and B applications showed a highly significant effect on total acidity, lycopene, and vitamin C contents of tomato fruits. Similarly, the application of Zn and B alone or in combination significantly affected the major nutrient contents of tomato fruits. The highest amounts of Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P were obtained from the application of Zn @ 4.0 kg ha-1, while the maximum amounts of Fe and Zn were recorded from Zn @ 8.0 kg ha-1 treatment. However, the application of B alone significantly reduced the contents of Ca, P, S, Fe, and Zn in tomato fruits while the contents of Mg, K, and Na remained almost unchanged. Finally, the study results concluded that the combined application of Zn and B (@ 4.0 and 2.0 kg ha-1, respectively) had a significant effect on major nutrients and biochemical characters of tomato fruits.

Tissue concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn of four Taiwanese toothed cetaceans

Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in the muscle, lung, liver, and kidney tissues of 49 cetaceans, including 11 Kogia sima (Ks), 10 Lagenodelphis hosei (Lh), 14 Grampus griseus (Gg), and 14 Stenella attenuata (Sa) from 1994 to 2012 in Taiwan were measured. Ks exhibited the highest Fe, and the lowest Zn, Cu and Mn tissue concentrations. The Kogiid and Delphinid groups were significantly categorized by nMDS analysis. Fe muscle concentrations were found to be positively correlated with Ks, Lh, and Gg but not Sa body length. The different levels of Zn-, Cu-, and Mn- tissue concentrations of the two families were due to their different SOD systems. Their calves contained higher Cu liver concentrations. The four essential elements in cetaceans regulate homeostasis to meet their eco-physiological demand. The baseline levels for these four elements in these four tissues in the Delphinid group are defined.

Optimization of Zinc and Boron Levels for Better Growth and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

A pot experiment was conducted at the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period of November, 2017 to March, 2018 to optimize different levels of Zn and B for better growth and yield attributes of tomato (cv. Ruma VF). The experiment included two factors [factor- A viz., control (Zn0 ), Zn @ 4.0 kg ha-1 (Zn4), Zn @ 6.0 kg ha-1 (Zn6) and Zn @ 8.0 kg ha-1 (Zn8) and factor B viz., control (B0), B @ 2.0 kg ha-1 (B2) and B @ 3.0 kg ha-1 (B3)], which was laid out in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications, thus total number of pots were 48. Zinc sulphate and boric acid were applied as the source of Zn and B that were applied during pot preparation along with recommended doses of N, P, K and S. The study revealed that application of different doses of Zn increased number of flower clusters plant-1 at 80 days after transplanting, fruit length, fruit diameter, number of fruits plant-1 and yield of tomato up to 4.0 kg ha-1. Similarly, application of B @ 2.0 kg ha-1 produced the highest number of flower clusters plant-1, fruit length and fruit diameter. On the other hand, the highest number of fruits plant-1 and yield of tomato were obtained by the application of B @ 3.0 kg ha-1 which was statistically similar to the application of B @ 2.0 kg ha-1. Combined application of Zn and B, @ 4.0 and 2.0 kg ha-1, respectively appeared as the best practice for better growth and yield of tomato, and therefore it may be recommended to boost up tomato productivity.

Effects of Dietary Different Levels of Nano, Organic and Inorganic Zinc Sources on Performance, Eggshell Quality, Bone Mechanical Parameters and Mineral Contents of the Tibia, Liver, Serum and Excreta in Laying Hens.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary zinc (Zn) sources and their levels on the performance, egg quality, tissue mineral concentrations and bone mechanical traits of laying hens. Two hundred seventy, 44-week-old, Super Nick white laying hens were randomly distributed to 15 experimental groups in a 3 (sources of Zn) × 5 (levels of Zn) factorial arrangement, using groups of 18 birds with 6 replicates. The 15 experimental diets consisted of three sources of Zn (zinc-oxide as an inorganic form, zinc-proteinate as an organic form and nano zinc-oxide powder as a nano form) and five different levels of Zn (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mg Zn/kg diet). The experiment lasted 12weeks. Dietary Zn sources, Zn levels and their interactions had no significant effect on the performance parameters between the treatment groups, nor a significant effect on eggshell weight and eggshell breaking strength. Eggshell thickness and eggshell Ca and P contents were significantly affected by the different dietary Zn sources. Dietary Zn sources, Zn levels and their interactions had no significant effect on tibia Ca and P contents, and also had no significant effect on tibia Zn content. Liver Zn content was significantly affected by the dietary Zn sources. Serum Zn content was not affected by the dietary treatments. Dietary Zn sources, Zn levels and their interactions had no significant effect on tibia weight, tibia stress and tibia breaking strength, as tibia mechanical parameters. Excreta Zn content decreased linearly when hens were fed nano Zn compared to organic and inorganic Zn, and excreta Zn content also linearly increased with increasing dietary Zn levels. In conclusion, 20mg/kg of supplemental Zn is optimal for sustaining performance, good eggshell quality and bone status, while also reducing Zn excretion and soil pollution, with organic (Zn-proteinate) and nano (ZnO) Zn as the preferred forms in laying hen diets.

Comparison of Direct Seeded and Transplanted Rice in Response to Zinc under Salt-Affected Soil

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different levels of Zn (0, 5, 10, 15kg/ha) on growth and yield of direct seeded and transplanted rice (Oryza sativa) under naturally salt-affected soil having pH=8.32; ECe=6.41dS/m; SAR=26.71(mmolc/L)½ at the farm of Soil Salinity ResearchInstitute, Pindi Bhattian during 2013. Plant height, number of tillers/plant, panicle length and number ofgrains/panicle were higher in transplanted rice than direct seeded rice at all Zn levels. Maximum paddyyield (2.61 t/ha) of direct seeded rice was attained with the application of 10 kg Zn/ha closely followedby 15 kg Zn/ha application (2.41 t/ha) which was statistical at par with paddy yield (2.45 t/ha) of transplantedrice in salt-affected field. However, overall paddy yield of direct seeded rice was 5 % higher than thetransplanted rice.

Effects of Zinc Stress on Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidative Enzymes and Protein Content of Black Gram

Effects of Zinc Stress on Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidative Enzymes and Protein Content of Black Gram The response of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) at different levels of Zn {i.e. control (0.065 ppm), low level (0.0065 ppm) and toxic level (6.5 ppm)} was investigated. Deficient and toxic levels of zinc suppressed the growth of black gram seedlings as compared to control. A significant reduction was seen in height & biomass of plant at toxic levels of zinc as compared to deficient. Also levels of photosynthetic pigments showed similar depreciation at toxic levels of applied Zn than deficient and control. Zinc deficiency and toxicity were associated with an increase in the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes such as catalase and peroxidase. Zinc stress ceased the concentration of DNA, RNA and protein content in young seedlings of black gram. Zinc toxicity proved to be more deleterious for black gram than zinc deficiency.

Gene expression of metal transporting P-type ATPase HMA4 in Brassica juncea grown at different levels of Zn

Gene expression of metal transporting P-type ATPase HMA4 in Brassica juncea grown at different levels of Zn

Enrichment of rice grains with zinc through agronomic bio-fortification

A field experiment was carried out at instructional-cum-research farm of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to enrich grains of some popular high yielding rice varieties with soil and soil plus foliar application of zinc (Zn). Three different levels of Zn viz., 0, 21 kg ha−1 as soil application, and 21 kg ha−1 as soil application + foliar spray of 0.5% of ZnSO4 thrice at heading, flowering and panicle initiation stages were evaluated. Irrespective of varieties, highest mean Zn concentration of 29.3 mg kg−1 was observed in rice grain with soil + foliar application of Zn. The mean Zn content varied from 17.6 to 34.2 mg kg−1 and it increased from 5.8 to 20.3 per cent over control with soil application and 13.2 to 32.3 per cent with soil + foliar application of Zn. Amongst the varieties, the highest concentration was found in variety Kushal (34.3 mg kg−1) followed by Moniram (33.5 mg kg−1). Variety Kushal also recorded highest Zn uptake (140.9 g ha−1) followed by the variety Ranjit (127.1 g ha−1). However, in terms of Zn use efficiency and apparent Zn recovery efficiency, varieties Moniram and Ranjit, respectively performed best. Thus, Ranjit recorded the highest Zn accumulation efficiency by grains over other varieties.

Influence of Zn doping on the electrochemical capacitor behavior of MnO2 nanocrystals

Herein, we suggest a simple chemical precipitation method for the preparation of bare and different levels of Zn doped MnO2 nanoparticles as electrodes for supercapacitors.