Foliar Application Research Articles

Foliar application of rice husk derived nanosilica for mitigating drought stress in hybrid maize by boosting antioxidant defense system

The increasing frequency and intensity of drought magnified by the climate change, pose significant challenge to global food security and agricultural productivity. Chemically synthesized nanosilica have emerged as a promising solution for managing drought stress, enhancing crop growth and stress resilience but, its production involves harmful chemicals which results in adverse impacts on soil, plant and environment. Hence, the present study aimed to green synthesize and characterize silicon nanoparticles from rice husk and to evaluate their potential for improving plant growth, development and stress mitigation in hybrid maize. The rice husk derived nanosilica has spherical morphology, amorphous nature, siloxane bonds and high purity (99 %). Five different levels of nanosilica (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25 %) were sprayed on hybrid maize grown under irrigated and drought conditions and the results revealed that, nanosilica spray has improved the stress tolerance, growth and photosynthetic parameters. An optimum response was noted with the nanosilica spray upto 0.10 % in irrigated plants and 0.15 % in drought stressed plants, where greater increase in plant height (27.7 and 28.9 %), total biomass (55.7 and 39.1 %), chlorophyll a (36.7 and 54.5 %), relative water content (12.5 and 24.9 %) and superoxide dismutase (23.0 and 35.7 %) activity was observed. This was ascribed to the alleviation of membrane damage by reduced melondialdehyde content (18.9 and 21.4 %) and electrolyte leakage (21.9 and 26.7 %) under irrigated and drought regimes. However, higher doses of nanosilica caused slight reduction in plant growth and antioxidant activity. We conclude that, foliar spraying of nanosilica synthesized from rice husk at a concentration of 0.10 % for irrigated and 0.15 % for hybrid maize exposed to drought stress has shown a positive effect on plant growth and stress mitigation. Nanosilica synthesised from rice husk is economical, environmentally feasible and efficiently boosts plant growth and stress tolerance. Further, to confirm the role of rice husk derived nanosilica in plant stress tolerance, the comprehensive molecular mechanisms underpinning the stress mitigation has to be studied in detail.

Growth and Yield of Lentil as Influenced by Zinc and Boron Management

A field experiment was conducted at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh, during the period from November 2021 to March 2022 to evaluate the influence of micronutrients management on growth and yield of two lentil varieties viz., BARI Masur-8 (V1) and Binamasur-8 (V2) and 6 micronutrients management (no fertilizer - F1, recommended fertilizer dose (RFD) (40-90-40-55 Kg ha−1 of urea-TSP-MoP-Gypsum) with 10 Kg ha−1 ZnSO4 as basal - F2, RFD with zinc (Zn) as foliar spray - F3, RFD with Zn and boron (B) as foliar spray - F4, 50% RFD + 50% cow dung (5 t ha−1) - F5 and 50% RFD + 50% cow dung + Zn and B as foliar spray - F6). No significant effect had found for variety except 1000-seed weight but micronutrients management along with interactions significantly effects on all studied parameters of lentil. The higher 1000-seed weight (34.16 g) was recorded in BARI Masur-8. The highest plant height (37.09 cm), number of branches plant−1 (7), dry weight of root plant−1 (159.17 mg), dry weight of shoot plant−1 (3319.33 mg) and number of pods plant−1 (62) was observed at F6 treatment. The highest 1000-seed weight (31.68 g) were recorded at F2 treatment. The highest weight of nodules plant−1 (10.33 mg at 60 DAS), seed yield (2.62 t ha−1), straw yield (2.12 t ha−1) and biological yield (4.74 t ha−1) were found at F3 treatment. The highest plant height (38.45 cm), number of branches plant−1 (7), number of pods plant−1 (63), seed yield (2.91 t ha−1) and harvest index (58.65%) were recorded at V2F6 whereas the highest weight of nodules plant-1 (26 mg), straw yield (2.22 t ha−1) and biological yield (5.02 t ha−1) were found at V1F3 but the highest 1000-seed weight (34.87 g) at V1F1. The highest number of seeds pod−1 (1.83) was found at V2F1. So, two varieties showed similar performance on yield. Foliar application of Zn has the potentiality to increase seed yield. The variety Binamasur-8 with 50% RFD + 50% cow dung + Zn and B (F6) as foliar spray could bring maximum yield (2.91 t ha−1) of lentil followed by treatment F2, F3, and F4. Bangladesh Agron. J. 2024, 26(2): 34-40

Responses to foliar sprays of strawberry variety ‘Portola’ to biostimulants on growth, yield, quality, and bioactive compounds

The acceptance of strawberries in international trade has increased due to their organoleptic qualities, high nutritional value, and richness in antioxidants. This research evaluated the effect of foliar spray with chitosan, brassinosteroids, and thidiazuron as metabolic enhancers on growth, productivity, quality parameters, and bioactive compounds in ‘Portola’ strawberry cultivar in the first year of production. This experiment included six treatments and control with doses of CTS of 100, 300, and 400 mg L-1, of Brassinosteroids (Vitazyme™) 0.5, 1-, and 5-mL L-1 and 0.15 mL L-1 of TDZ (Charger plex™) in applications of these biostimulants alone and combination CTS and BRs. The findings indicated that CTS treatments increased plant length, leaf count, leaf area, and fruit firmness. The joint application of CTS and BRs significantly promotes crown diameter, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, fresh and dry weight of roots and aerial parts, and ripening. Applications of CTS 300 mg L-1 and 1 mL L-1 of Vitazyme have shown the highest fruit length, diameter, and weight values. Regarding TDZ, this work showed an increase in crown diameter and in the fresh and dry weight of both the root and the aerial part without significant differences in the content of the chlorophyll and titratable acidity compared to the control. Therefore, it could be safely recommended that foliar application with CTS, BRs, and TDZ can be used as biostimulants to improve the growth, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry cv ‘Portola’.

The Effect of Herbicides and Biostimulant Application on the Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

The profitability of growing soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is largely determined by the successful elimination of weeds and the weather conditions, the adverse effect of which can be minimized by the use of biostimulants. This study aims to evaluate the effect of several herbicides and biostimulants on the seed yield and contents of protein, fat, amino acids, and fatty acids in soybean seeds. The results demonstrate that the yield and quality of soybean seeds were most beneficially affected by the use of prosulfocarb immediately after sowing in combination with a subsequent foliar application of bentazone and imazamox with an adjuvant containing methyl oleate and fatty alcohol. This treatment ensured the highest seed yield (3.32 t ha−1), the highest contents in seeds of protein (342.4 g kg−1 DM), phenylalanine (15.65 g kg−1 DM), leucine (23.54 g kg−1 DM), and most of the endogenous amino acids. All herbicide treatments increased the contents of tryptophan, serine, and glutamic acid compared to the seeds without herbicide treatment. The study results indicate that soybean responded positively to all biostimulants, as indicated by a higher seed yield (from 5.3% to 11.3%), plant height, and contents of tryptophan, serine, glutamic acid, cysteine, tyrosine, and C18:1n9c + C18:1n9t acids in the seeds.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Aquaporins Gene Family in Populus euphratica and Its Expression Patterns in Response to Drought, Salt Stress, and Phytohormones.

Aquaporins (AQPs) play an essential role in membrane water transport during plant responses to water stresses centered on conventional upstream signals. Phytohormones (PHs) regulate plant growth and yield, working with transcription factors to help plants withstand environmental challenges and regulate physiological and chemical processes. The AQP gene family is important, so researchers have studied its function and regulatory system in numerous species. Yet, there is a critical gap the understanding of many of their molecular features, thus our full knowledge of AQPs is far-off. In this study, we undertook a broad examination of the AQP family gene in Populus euphratica via bioinformatics tools and analyzed the expression patterns of certain members in response to drought, salt, and hormone stress. A total of 22 AQP genes were examined in P. euphratica, and were categorized into four main groups, including TIPs, PIPs, SIPs, and NIPs based on phylogenetic analysis. Comparable exon-intron gene structures were found by gene structure examination, and similarities in motif number and pattern within the same subgroup was determined by motif analysis. The PeuAQP gene family has numerous duplications, and there is a distinct disparity in how the members of the PeuAQP family react to post-translational modifications. Abiotic stress and hormone responses may be mediated by AQPs, as indicated by the abundance of stress response elements found in 22 AQP genes, as revealed by the promoter's cis-elements prediction. Expression pattern analysis reveals that selected six AQP genes from the PIP subgroup were all expressed in the leaves, stem, and roots with varying expression levels. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis discovered that the majority of the selected AQP members were up- or down-regulated in response to hormone treatment and abiotic stress. Remarkably, PeuAQP14 and PeuAQP15 appeared to be highly responsive to drought stress and PeuAQP15 exhibited a high response to salt stress. The foliar application of the phytohormones (SA, IAA, GA3, MeJA, and ABA) were found to either activate or inhibit PeuAQP, suggesting that they may mitigate the effects of water shortage of poplar water stress. The present work enhances our knowledge of the practical roles of AQPs in stress reactions and offers fundamental information for the AQP genes in poplar species. It also highlights a direction for producing new varieties of poplar species with drought, salt, and hormone tolerance and holds substantial scientific and ecological importance, offering a potential contribution to the conservation of poplar species in arid regions.

Foliar iodine application: a strategy for tomato biofortification and yield optimization

Iodine (I) is a beneficial micronutrient for crop plants and essential for human health, yet approximately two billion people worldwide suffer from I deficiency, resulting in significant health issues. Agricultural soils often lack sufficient I, resulting in crops with low I content. However, tomatoes have shown potential to accumulate I when supplemented externally, making them an ideal candidate for I biofortification, particularly as an alternative to iodized salt for individuals on low-sodium diets. This two-year greenhouse pot experiment evaluated the effectiveness of foliar application of potassium iodide (KI) in biofortifying two commercial tomato hybrids. Different concentrations of I (0, 1, 3, 6, and 9 mM/plant) were applied as foliar treatments to assess their effects on physiological parameters, yield attributes, and quality traits, especially I enrichment in tomato fruit. The results demonstrated that foliar application of KI significantly increased fruit I contents at concentrations that also promoted overall plant growth and development. These findings underscored the efficient translocation of I through the phloem in tomatoes. I enrichment in tomato fruits ranged up to 5.27 mg/kg, exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 150 μg/day. Even lower doses of 1–3 mM KI were effective in achieving significant I enrichment suitable for biofortification programs. In conclusion, tomato emerged as an excellent candidate for agronomic biofortification with I due to the practicality, and affordability of foliar application. The study highlights the potential of foliar I application as a feasible strategy for addressing global I deficiency, emphasizing its suitability for widespread adoption by farmers.

Pruning and Chemical Manipulation Influence Leaf Physiological Parameters and Pod Yield Parameters of Perennial Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) cv. Kappalpatti Local During Off-Season

Understanding and controlling the physiological processes that regulate flowering is crucial for producing crops in off-season. To explore this, an experiment was conducted involving various pruning intensities and chemical sprays to induce off-season flowering and fruiting in moringa trees. The experiment followed a Factorial Randomized Block Design, with Factor I representing pruning at four levels: P-1 (No pruning), P-2 (Pinching off the previous year's growth of fruiting branches), P-3 (Light pruning, removing 33% of previous year's growth), and P-4 (Severe pruning, removing 66% of previous year's growth). Factor II involved chemical sprays at seven levels: C-1 (Control - water spray), C-2 to C-7 (Different chemical treatments). A total of 28 treatment combinations were tested with two replications each. Pruning was performed in the second week of July, and chemicals were sprayed twice, with the first application 30 days after pruning and the second 15 days thereafter. Various physiological parameters such as nitrate reductase activity, total carbohydrate content, nitrogen content, carbohydrate: nitrogen ratio, soluble protein, IAA oxidase activity, and gibberellic acid content in leaves were measured using standard procedures. Pod yield-related characteristics such as number of panicles per tree, number of flowers per panicle, number of pods per panicle, and total pod yield per tree were also recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted following Panse and Sukhatme's procedures (1985), revealing significant effects on various physiological parameters by pruning, chemicals, or their combinations. These alterations in physiological parameters induced flowering during the off-season in perennial moringa cv. Kappalpatti local. Notably, the interaction between pinching and foliar application of nitrobenzene at 0.5% (P2 × C7) resulted in 61.15 panicles per tree, while severe pruning combined with foliar application of paclobutrazol at 50 ppm (P4 × C2) led to 125.45 flowers per panicle. Additionally, the interaction between light pruning and foliar application of paclobutrazol at 50 ppm (P3 × C2) showed significantly higher mean numbers of pods per panicle (2.95) and pod yield per tree (14.14 kg).

Effect of foliar application of Silicic acid on biological parameters of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) and activity of plant defensive enzymes in rapeseed

Effect of foliar application of Silicic acid on biological parameters of Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) and activity of plant defensive enzymes in rapeseed

The novel herbicide icafolin‐methyl is a plant‐specific inhibitor of tubulin polymerization

AbstractBACKGROUNDWithout controlling weeds, it is estimated that about one third of global crop yields would be lost. Herbicides remain the most effective solution for weed control, but they face multiple challenges, such as the emergence and growth of resistant weed populations. Consequently, there is an urgent need for either herbicides with new modes of action or at least novel chemistries within established modes of action, with outstanding efficacy but without showing cross‐resistance to the herbicides present in the prospective markets.RESULTSIcafolin‐methyl is a novel herbicide with a unique biological profile. It is hydrolyzed in planta to the carboxylic acid icafolin. After post‐emergence application icafolin‐methyl and icafolin both show high efficacy against the most relevant competitive weeds in cold and warm season cropping systems at low application rates, including resistant black‐grass and rye‐grass biotypes. Biochemical and genetic evidence is provided that icafolin‐methyl and icafolin inhibit plant tubulin polymerization probably by binding to ß‐tubulins.CONCLUSIONIcafolin‐methyl is a novel non‐selective herbicide with an established mode of action, but with a superior potency and spectrum, specifically after foliar application. This makes icafolin‐methyl fundamentally different from existing tubulin polymerization inhibiting herbicides. It complements the farmers weed control toolbox, particularly with respect to resistance management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Nano Urea on Growth, Yield and Nutrient uptake of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Aim: The foliar application of nano urea is aimed at reducing the soil application of conventional urea. Nano fertilizers enhance crop growth and yield while enhancing nutrient uptake and reducing costs. They provide precise nutrient management, match crop growth stages, and offer an increased surface area for metabolic reactions. This boosts photosynthesis, leading to higher dry matter production and crop yield. Foliar application of nano urea (liquid) at tillering and booting stages in finger millet fulfills the nitrogen requirement and reflects higher crop productivity. Higher productivity of crops in a sustainable manner could be achieved by applying an appropriate combination of conventional fertilizers and nano fertilizers. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in deep black soils at Agricultural Research Station, Siruguppa, during kharif 2022. Methodology: There were sixteen treatment combinations, consisting of different doses of nitrogen (no nitrogen, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN) with different concentrations of nano urea and conventional urea sprayed at tillering and booting stages for HR-13 variety of finger millet. Results: Application of 100% RDN has recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers plant-1, total dry matter accumulation, grain yield and straw yield (129.82 cm, 10.10, 36.17 g plant-1, 36.87 q ha-1 and 71.72 q ha-1, respectively) in comparison to no nitrogen and 50% RDN. However, 75% RDN (123.04 cm, 9.61, 34.02 g plant-1, 34.84 q ha-1 and 68.01 q ha-1, respectively) found on par with 100% RDN. Among foliar nitrogen, spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (121.59 cm), tillers plant-1 (9.37), total dry matter accumulation (33.16 g plant-1), grain yield (31.97 q ha-1) and straw yield (65.52 q ha-1) compared to 0.5% and 1% conventional urea. However, nano urea @ 2 ml L-1 was on par with 4 ml L-1 nano urea and 1% conventional urea. Similar trend was recorded with regard to nutrient uptake by finger millet. Conclusion: Foliar application of nano urea reduced the dosage of conventional urea by 25 per cent.

Foliar application of myo-inositol inhibits the growth of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings by inducing alterations in cell wall structure and energy metabolism disorders

Foliar application of myo-inositol inhibits the growth of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings by inducing alterations in cell wall structure and energy metabolism disorders

Effect of silver nanoparticles foliar application on the nutritional properties of potato tubers

The aim of presented study was to test nutritional properties of potato tubers and silver ions accumulation pattern after foliar application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during potato vegetation. Potato plants were sprayed with different concentration of Ag nanoparticles (0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg·dm−3) synthesized with incorporation with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium citrate as stabilizing agent. The lowest amounts of silver ions were transported to the tubers after spraying with AgNPs synthesized with SDS, rather than with citrate. Nevertheless silver ions accumulation in tubers was negligible. SDS method of synthesis was more favourable in terms of nutritional properties of potato tubers. The highest tested concentration of AgNPs_SDS had a favourable effect on a variety of macro- and micronutrients, ascorbic acid and soluble sugars. In turn, lower concentrations of AgNPs_SDS increased the content of phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging efficiency of tubers. These correlations were also confirmed by Principal Component Analysis.

Efficiency of Foliar Application with Some Plant Natural Oils on Yield and Berries Quality of Ruby Seedless Grape Cultivar

Efficiency of Foliar Application with Some Plant Natural Oils on Yield and Berries Quality of Ruby Seedless Grape Cultivar

Effect of Nano-ZnO on Growth and Yield of Summer Maize under Drip Irrigation in Laterite Soil

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, West Bengal, India during summer season (February–June), 2022 and 2023, respectively to investigate the effects of drip irrigation and nano zinc oxide biofortification on maize. In the main plot, four drip irrigations scheduling treatments viz., once-in-2 days, once-in-3 days, once-in-4 days and Irrigation by surface flooding method were accommodated. The sub-plot treatments consisted of five methods of zinc applications viz., control, soil application of ZnSO4 at 20 kg ha-1, foliar application of ZnO NP at 40 ppm, seed priming of ZnO NP (NP:Nano Particles) at 40 ppm, and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm. Growth parameter like plant height and number of leaves were highest with application water through drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS for both the years but at 90 DAS, drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest growth parameters. Aerial dry matter accumulation in unit area recorded maximum in drip irrigation once-in-3 days and seed coating of ZnO NP at 40 ppm at 30 DAS but at 90 DAS drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP recorded highest. Cob girth, number of grains cob-1, seed index, grain yield and biological yield was observed highest with drip irrigation once-in-2 days and seed coating of ZnO NP in zinc treatment for both the years.

Impact of Weather Parameters and Application Methods of Micronutrients on Dry Matter Production and Yield of Chickpea Under the Riverine Area of Bihar Region of India

ABSTRACT Weather and climate uncertainties significantly impact crop and food production, particularly in the Bihar region of India. Crop cultivation in this region faces significant risks due to several climatic challenges: rising minimum temperatures in the winter (rabi), extreme temperatures in the spring, intense rainfall, and extended dry spells during the kharif ;(monsoon) season. The growth and development of the plants majorly depend on the climatic and nutrient factors. The plant uptake and utilization of nutrients are surprisingly reliant on the weather conditions. Therefore, understanding the interaction of climatic factors and nutrient application methods is crucial for achieving higher growth and yield stewardship. A two-year field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the riverine area (Diara) of Bihar, India, to evaluate the relationship between weather parameters and application methods of Molybdenum and Boron on the dry matter production (DMP) and grain yield of chickpea. Six different application methods of Boron and Molybdenum were tested. The study aimed to identify the ideal micronutrient application methods for chickpea production in the rabi season under the Diara ;(riverine) area. Results indicated that the combination of boron basal + molybdenum seed treatment produced the highest grain yield (1740 kg ha−1) and dry matter production (5.81 g plant−1) at all phenological phases, performing on par with boron basal + molybdenum foliar application for both years. Concerning the weather parameters, the correlation studies showed that all the direct weather parameters and agrometeorological indices showed positive and negative effects (p = .05) on DMP and grain yield of chickpea during both years. This study contributes to the development of site-specific application methods for molybdenum and boron, identifies optimal sowing times, minimizes the negative impacts of climate change, and maximizes chickpea production in the riverine (Diara) area of Bihar.

Responses of Water and Fertilizer Utilization Efficiency and Yield of Cotton to Foliar Biostimulant under Irrigation with Magnetic–Electric-Activated Water

The foliar application of biostimulants at specific concentrations under magnetic–electric water irrigation has a positive effect on water and fertilizer use efficiency and yield of cotton, which is crucial for green and sustainable agricultural development. As a new type of fertilizer, biostimulants have demonstrated remarkable effects in improving crop yield and quality by enhancing nutrient uptake, promoting plant growth, and increasing resilience to environmental stress. In this study, the effects of magnetic–electric-activated water irrigation and foliar biostimulant application on cotton growth and yield were investigated, with the aim of understanding the underlying mechanisms. The field experiment included various irrigation treatments (brackish water, fresh water, magnetic–electric brackish water, and magnetic–electric fresh water) and biostimulant concentrations (1600, 1200, 800, 400 times dilution, and no spraying). SEM analysis indicated that under magnetoelectric water irrigation, the foliar application of biostimulants enhances physiological growth of cotton, improving the water and nutrient uptake efficiency, and thereby increasing yield. Specifically, the effective boll number and single boll weight under magnetic–electric fresh water irrigation with an 800 times biostimulant concentration increased by 21.84–48.78% and 5.50–18.91%, respectively, compared to the no-spraying treatment. The seed cotton yield rose by 16.61–38.63%, water-use efficiency improved by 24.35%, the harvest index reached 0.33, and nitrogen absorption increased by 76.21%. Thus, integrating magnetic–electric water irrigation with foliar biostimulants offers a theoretical and technical foundation for advancing green, high-quality agriculture and sustainable production.

Appropriate agro-environmental strategy for ZnO-nanoparticle foliar application on soybean

Appropriate agro-environmental strategy for ZnO-nanoparticle foliar application on soybean

Influence of Foliar Application of Nitrogen through Urea and Nano Urea on Morphophysiological and Yield in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture Nagpur, during Kharif 2023 in randomized blocked design (RBD) with PDKV Yashshree (BFTM-82) variety, at Research Farm of Agricultural Botany Section, College of Agriculture Nagpur, with three replications and eight treatments. The results revealed that the best treatment 25 N kg ha-1 + two spray of nano urea @ 4 ml L-1 (T8) applied at tillering and pre-flowering stage was significantly superior as compared to other treatments which shows the highest value in morpho-physiological viz., Plant height (163.00 cm) at 80 DAS, days to 50% flowering (57.00), days to maturity (87.00), RGR (0.095 g-1 dm-2 day-1 ) at 60-80 DAS and CGR (0.82 g-1 cm-2 day-1) at 60-80 DAS and yield parameters viz., No. of panicle hill-1 (4.90), Panicle length (24.37 cm), No. of spikelet panicle-1 (66.07), Grain yield kg plot-1 (1.30),Grain yield kg ha-1 (1421.78),Harvest index (63.50%) of foxtail millet.

Nutrient responsiveness and correlation analysis of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cv. Balabhadra for vegetative, reproductive traits and nut yield under coastal Odisha condition

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of nutrient management approaches on vegetative, reproductive growth and yield of cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. cv. Balabhadra. Methodology: Trial was conducted during 2021-22 to 2022-23 to study the foliar application of different macro, secondary and micro- nutrients of cashew plant. The experiment was designed in RBD with six treatments and four replications. Foliar spraying was done at three stages viz., pre-flowering, flowering and nut set stages. Results: Treatment schedules i.e., 100% RDF+10 kg FYM/plant /year+ foliar spray of major nutrients (3% urea+0.5% MAP+1% K2SO4)+ foliar spray of secondary and micro-nutrients (0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.1 % Solubor + 0.5 % MgSO4) witnessed better performance of cashew for most of the vegetative and reproductive traits under study. Multivariate analysis showed formation of five principal components, where PC1 contributed maximum (97.80 %) towards total variance. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed positive association of yield relevant traits (P < 0.001) and negative correlation for number of flowering laterals and nut drop (%). Interpretation: Foliar spraying of macro, secondary and micronutrients in combination significantly influenced the vegetative and reproductive traits which may influence the nut yield of cashew. Key words: Cashew, Foliar spray, Nutrients

Effects of foliar and root application of Zn and Fe bio-nanofertilizers on the glucosinolate, Zn and Fe contents of Pak choi (Brassica rapa Subsp. Chinensis) grown under hydroponic and pot cultivation

Pak choi is a rich source of minerals and health beneficial compounds such as glucosinolates (GSLs). This study is focused on implementing sustainable agronomic approaches to optimize pre-harvest cultivation and improve plant growth and nutritional value. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of foliar and root fertilization of algae capped ZnO and γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the growth and content of GSLs, Zn and Fe of Pak choi grown under hydroponic floating system and pot conditions. The foliar application of ZnO (77 nm) and γ-Fe2O3 (68 nm) nanoparticles functionalized with an Arthrospira platensis extract increased fresh weight (39.71 %), plant height (42.77 %), leaves number (26.47 %), root length (33.33 %), and Zn (10-fold) and Fe (2-fold) contents in hydroponic plants. The same treatment also improved plant fresh weight (31.73 %), and Zn (6-fold) and Fe (2-fold) in pot cultivated Pak choi. Six GSLs were detected, which were also enhanced by the joint application of nanoparticles and microalgae extract. The results revealed a high synergy between the ZnO- and γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the A. platensis extract to increase plant growth and Zn and Fe micronutrients and glucosinolates in Pak choi grown under hydroponic and pot systems.