Foliar Fertilization Treatments Research Articles

Utilizing Principal Component Analysis to Assess the Effects of Complex Foliar Fertilizers Regarding Maize (Zea mays L.) Productivity

This study sought to determine the effects of foliar fertilization (FF) on both the quantity and quality of maize grains using principal component analysis (PCA). This chemometric approach enabled the selection of the best foliar treatment model for enhancing maize yield and quality. The results were analyzed via PCA, providing valuable insights into identifying the FF recipe with the greatest influence on maize grain production and quality. These field experiments were run during the time period 2020–2022 in the university’s experimental field. Seven experimental variants with three repetitions were tested, including a control group and various FF formulations labeled V1 through V7, each with different chemical compositions. FF applications were conducted during specific vegetative phases of the maize, respectively, in stages 15–16 BBCH (5–6 unfolded leaves) and 20–22 BBCH (10–12 unfolded leaves), with application rates varying from 2 to 6 Lha1 according to the product’s chemical properties. The application of FF treatments positively impacted both the production and quality of maize grains, as evidenced by specific quality indices such as moisture, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, fiber, and mineral content.

Effect of Biofertilizer and Foliar Applied Nutritive Compound on Growth, Yield and Chemical Composition of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) In Sandy Soil

In order to emphasise on sustainable agricultural practices, alternative fertilization methods have garnered attention, particularly bio-fertilizers known for their eco-friendly attributes and potential multifaceted benefits. Therefore, two field experiments were carried out at Experimental Farm, National Research Centre ElBehaira Governorate, Egypt to study the effect of nitrogen biofertilizer (Biogen), and Nutrin compound fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of spinach during two winter seasons of 2022/2023and 2023/2024. The results showed that inoculation of spinach seeds with Biogen had a positive effect of spinach plants by increasing the vegetative growth, as well as total fresh yield during the two growing seasons. Foliar fertilizer treatments revealed a notable trend; the higher dose of foliar application of Nutrin indicates significant effectiveness in promoting robust growth characteristics, as well as total yield during the two growing seasons. The results indicate that both biofertilizer treatments and foliar nutrient Nutrin act independently, therefore no evident interaction between the two treatments occurred. Highly significant effects due to Biogen or Nurtrin application to spinach were reported for N %, protein, P, K % significantly increased when Biogen was applied especially at the higher rate (2kg/fed)or Nutrin at (4 cm/l). Regarding the nitrate content of spinach leaves it is clear that the reported values were within the acceptable daily intake permitted. A highly significant positive correlation coefficient between total fresh yield and N%, Crude protein % P% K% and nitrate content(ppm) were reported. (Fed= Feddan=4200m2)

Effects of Different Foliar Fertilizer Treatments on Fruit Quality of the Korla Fragrant Pear

Persistent calyx affects the fruit quality of the Korla fragrant pear including increasing fruit hardness. In order to reduce fruit hardness and improve fruit quality, in this study, we used the Korla fragrant pear which has persistent calyx. Korla fragrant pear fruit at different development stages were treated with foliar fertilizers of 101 and calcium–magnesium (Ca–Mg) solutions, and the hardness and pectase, cellulose, lipoxygenase, and amylase activities of persistent calyx fruit were determined and analyzed. We found that the fruit hardness of two foliar fertilizers increased compared with the control after treatment. The fruit hardness of calcium–magnesium foliar fertilizer and 101 foliar fertilizer treatments were increased by 11.7% and 6.8% compared with the control, respectively. Furthermore, the activities of cellulase, pectinase, and lipoxygenase were increased by 30%, 12.7%, and 42% after treatment with calcium–magnesium foliar fertilizer, respectively. The 101 foliar fertilizer inhibited the contents of cellulose and starch. In summary, the internal quality of Korla fragrant pear fruit treated with calcium–magnesium foliar fertilizer was better than 101 foliar fertilizer. It was confirmed that calcium and magnesium foliar fertilizer had a good control effect on the hardness of Korla fragrant pear persistent calyx fruit, and its fruit quality was also improved. This study has great application value in production practice.

Effect of Foliar Fertilization on the Physiological Parameters, Yield and Quality Indices of the Winter Wheat

The main purpose of the paper is to highlight the impact of foliar fertilization during the various growth stages of winter wheat and its role in achieving high-quality and superior production. Foliar fertilizers play a crucial role in calibrating and forming active growth intervals correlated with productivity factors. The research was conducted over a two-year period using the Andrada winter wheat variety. It involved the application of four different foliar fertilizers: basic mineral fertilization, FoliMAX Orange (two treatments and three treatments), FoliMAX CerealsMIX (two treatments and three treatments), and Microfert U (three treatments). Depending on the treatment, two or three applications of foliar with foliar fertilizers were carried out at various stages of winter wheat development, including pre-flowering and grain formation. The research method used to record physiological parameters was non-destructive (the leaves were not detached from the plant) and was based on the use of the CIRAS-3 foliar gas analyzer, which simultaneously determines several physiological and environmental indicators. As an indicator read by the device, photosynthesis was chosen for leaf temperature and leaf transpiration, correlated with production and quality indices. By applying the foliar fertilizer treatments to the wheat culture, we managed to increase production and improve the quality. After using different foliar fertilizers, the assimilation and physiological parameters had higher values of over 30 μmolm−2·s−1. Foliar fertilization applied to the winter wheat variety resulted in an average production increase between 450 and 765 kg·ha−1 and quality indices with a protein percentage between 11.5 and 12.6%, gluten content between 21.5 to 24.0% and the Zeleny index between 29.0 and 39.0%, and the mass of one thousand grains was between 48.0 and 50.5 g.

Preharvest Foliar Spraying Combined with Postharvest Salicylic Acid Treatment Regulates Panzao (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. ‘Jingcang1’) Fruit Quality and Softening during Storage

Panzao (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. ‘Jingcang1’) have a short shelf-life, which hampers their marketability. To investigate effects of combined pre- and postharvest treatments on quality and softening during storage, preharvest Guomantian foliar fertilizer (FF) spray and postharvest salicylic acid (SA) dip were applied to panzao. By day 63 of storage, fruit firmness responded to treatment in the order of FF+SA treatment > FF or SA treatments > Control. All treatments inhibited fruit reddening during storage and, compared with those of the control, alleviated the decline in total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and phenol contents and decreased the oxidative aging process, which was consistent with the change in firmness. The FF+SA treatment reduced the activities of amylase, cellulase, polygalacturonase, and β-glucosidase, which decreased the degradation of macromolecules including starch, cellulose, and pectin. Principal component analysis showed that FF+SA exhibited a synergistic effect and was the most effective treatment for maintaining fruit quality during storage. FF increased accumulation of nutrients during growth and improved quality, while SA delayed the decline in fruit quality and reduced softening. These results provide the theoretical basis and technical knowledge for improving the shelf-life of panzao during storage and long-distance transportation.

Grapefruit Root and Rhizosphere Responses to Varying Planting Densities, Fertilizer Concentrations and Application Methods.

Huanglongbing (HLB) disease has caused a severe decline in citrus production globally over the past decade. There is a need for improved nutrient regimens to better manage the productivity of HLB-affected trees, as current guidelines are based on healthy trees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different fertilizer application methods and rates with different planting densities on HLB-affected citrus root and soil health. Plant material consisted of 'Ray Ruby' (Citrus × paradisi) grapefruit trees grafted on 'Kuharske' citrange (Citrus × sinensis × Citrus trifoliata). The study consisted of 4 foliar fertilizer treatments, which included 0×, 1.5×, 3× and 6× the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture (UF/IFAS) recommended guidelines for B, Mn and Zn. Additionally, 2 ground-applied fertilizer treatments were used, specifically controlled-release fertilizer (CRF1): 12-3-14 + B, Fe, Mn and Zn micronutrients at 1× UF/IFAS recommendation, and (CRF2): 12-3-14 + 2× Mg + 3× B, Fe, Mn and Zn micronutrients, with micronutrients applied as sulfur-coated products. The planting densities implemented were low (300 trees ha-1), medium (440 trees ha-1) and high (975 trees ha-1). The CRF fertilizer resulted in greater soil nutrient concentrations through all of the time sampling points, with significant differences in soil Zn and Mn. Grapefruit treated with ground-applied CRF2 and 3× foliar fertilizers resulted in the greatest bacterial alpha and beta diversity in the rhizosphere. Significantly greater abundances of Rhizobiales and Vicinamibacterales were found in the grapefruit rhizosphere of trees treated with 0× UF/IFAS foliar fertilizer compared to higher doses of foliar fertilizers.

Adaptation of blueberry crop (Vaccinium corymbosum) under macro-tunnel in Valle de Santiago, Gto.

In order to evaluate the adaptation of Ventura variety blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivation under macro tunnel, an experiment was established at the Southwest Technological University of Guanajuato from January to April 2022. The study was established based on a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and four repetitions. The treatments to be evaluated were four foliar fertilizers: Citan® (rooting hormones); formula 20-30-10 (N, P, K + Microelements); Bayfolan Forte® (N, P, K + Microelements); Demeter Poto® (K, B, Zn, P), applied weekly and an absolute control. The number of green sprouts developed three months after the first application was evaluated. The statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences (p = 0.01) between the foliar fertilization treatments; however, an average of 13 to 16 green sprouts was counted, all with good development, vigor and physical appearance; largely due to foliar fertilization as a complement to nutrition via irrigation. The adaptation of the blueberry crop was achieved, as a recently introduced species in Valle de Santiago, under macro tunnel conditions, the microclimate and implemented agronomic management; however, it is necessary to improve some management aspects such as nutrition and above all, provide optimal protected conditions for cultivation.

ASSESSMENT OF SOME RECENTLY INTRODUCED BARLEY CULTIVARS IN RESPONSE TO SOIL AND FOLIAR FERTILIZATION

Barley can be cultivated and gives better yields in a large number of environments under various fertilization practices. This experiment was conducted in two growing seasons 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 under rainfall condition. Four new introduced cultivars of barley (Arta, Tadmor, Clipper and Furat2) along with two commonly grown cultivars (Local-1 and Local-2) were represented in the current study; Soil (DAP) and foliar fertilization treatments were also involved; the treatments were arranged through Split Plot Design in RCBD with four replications where the seasons considered the main plots, barley genotypes sub plots and fertilization sub-sub plots. The results of the present study demonstrated that each of Arta and Furat2 cultivars performed better in respect to growth and final grain yield under the multi environment conditions of the study. Additionally, the soil application of DAP and foliar fertilization treatment influenced significantly on the yield and growth parameters in various proportions. Application of both DAP and foliar treatments on barley that were grown under the rainfed condition resulted in the highest grain yield, better yield components and most of the growth traits during both growing seasons compared to control treatment. The GGE biplot analysis also showed the alignment of the introduced barley cultivars to the side of DAP and foliar fertilizers for final grain yield and most of yield component parameters demonstrating the importance of both fertilizers and mainly soil (DAP) for enhancing the yield of barley under rainfed environments.

Effect of Pre-Harvest Foliar Calcium and Silicon Fertilization on Pineapple Quality and Fruit Collapse Incidence

Pineapple can be affected by fruit collapse, a disease caused by the bacterium Dickeya zeae. However, adequate fertilization can increase the fruit’s resistance to this illness. Therefore, the impact of preharvest foliar calcium and silicon fertilization on pineapple quality and fruit collapse incidence was assessed in this study. The experiment implemented a split-plot design with two factors. The first factor has two terms of inoculation (flower induction and before harvest). The second factor uses a control with three foliar fertilization treatments, A (control: No foliar fertilizers applied), B (Ca from 13 to 11 weeks before harvest/from 6 weeks to harvest), C (Si from 13 to 11 weeks before harvest/from 6 weeks to harvest), and D (Ca + Si from 13 to 11 weeks before harvest/from 6 weeks to harvest). Treatment D gave the best response. It had the lowest fruit collapse incidence (21.70%), highest ascorbic acid (71.64 mg/kg), elevated β-carotene (4.87 mg/kg) and mineral content (Ca: 1851.10 mg/kg, Si: 1164.87 mg/kg), essentially under the before harvest term of inoculation, which was more harmful for the fruit. In conclusion, mixed foliar calcium and silicon fertilization manage to improve the tolerance to fruit collapse incidence, impacting the pineapple quality positively

Multispectral Analysis of Small Plots Based on Field and Remote Sensing Surveys—A Comparative Evaluation

Remote sensing is an efficient method of monitoring experiments rapidly and by enabling the collection of significantly more detailed data, than using only field measurements, ensuring new possibilities in scientific research. A small plot field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with winter oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties in Debrecen, Hungary in the 2020/2021 cropping year. Multiple field measurements and aerial surveys were carried out examining the response of oat on Silicon and Sulfur foliar fertilization treatments thereby monitoring their effects on the physiology, production and stress tolerance. Parallel application of in situ (elevation, soil pH, NDVI, SPAD, chlorophyll content) and aerial (NDVI, NDRE) surveys including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provided a diverse source of data for evaluation. Both the oat varieties (88.9%) and the foliar fertilization treatments (87.5%) were correctly classified and clearly separated with the discriminant analysis based on measured data. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a very strong positive connection (r = 0.895–1.00) between the NDVI values measured using a hand-held system and UAV-installed camera, except the third measurement time, where the correlation was weaker (r = 0.70). Our results indicate that field experiments can be effectively supported by UAVs.

Mitigating the Negative Effect of Drought Stress in Oat (Avena sativa L.) with Silicon and Sulphur Foliar Fertilization.

A field experiment was carried out in the 2020–2021 growing season, aiming at investigating the abiotic stress tolerance of oat (Avena sativa L.) with silicon and sulphur foliar fertilization treatments and monitoring the effect of treatments on the physiology, production and stress tolerance of winter oat varieties. In the Hungarian national list of varieties, six winter oat varieties were registered in 2020, and all of the registered varieties were sown in a small plot field experiment in Debrecen, Hungary. The drought tolerance of the oat could be tested, because June was very dry in 2021; the rainfall that month totaled 6 mm only despite a 30-year average of 66.5 mm, and the average temperature for the month was 3.2 °C higher than the 30-year average. Foliar application of silicon and sulphur fertilizers caused differences in the photosynthesis rate, total conductance to CO2, transpiration, water use efficiency, leaf area, chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, thousand kernel weight (TKW) and yield of winter oat. The application of silicon significantly increased the photosynthesis rate (16.8–149.3%), transpiration (5.4–5.6%), air–leaf temperature difference (16.2–43.2%), chlorophyll (1.0%) and carotenoid (2.5%) content. The yield increased by 10.2% (Si) and 8.0% (Si plus S), and the TKW by 3.3% (Si) and 5.0% (Si plus S), compared to the control plots. The plants in the control plots assimilated less CO2 while transpiring 1 m3 water more than in the Si, S or Si plus S fertilized plots. The effect of the silicon varied from 9.0 to 195.4% in water use efficiency (WUE) in the three development stages (BBCH52, BBCH65 and BBCH77). A lower leaf area index was measured in the foliar fertilized plots; even so, the yield was higher, compared to that from the control plots. Great variation was found in response to the foliar Si and S fertilization among winter oat varieties—in WUE, 2.0–43.1%; in total conductance to CO2, 4.9–37.3%; in leaf area, 1.6–34.1%. Despite the droughty weather of June, the winter oat varieties produced a high yield. The highest yield was in ‘GK Arany’ (7015.7 kg ha−1), which was 23.8% more than the lowest yield (‘Mv Kincsem’, 5665.6 kg ha −1). In the average of the treatments, the TKW increased from 23.9 to 33.9 g (41.8%). ‘Mv Hópehely’ had the highest TKW. Our results provide information about the abiotic stress tolerance of winter oat, which, besides being a good model plant because of its drought resistance, is an important human food and animal feed.

Examination of the Productivity and Physiological Responses of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Nitrapyrin and Foliar Fertilizer Treatments.

Nutrient stress has been known as the main limiting factor for maize growth and yield. Nitrapyrin, as a nitrification inhibitor—which reduces nitrogen loss—and foliar fertilizer treatments have been successfully used to enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization, however, the impacts of these two technologies on physiological development, enzymatic responses, and productivity of maize are poorly studied. In this paper, the concentration of each stress indicator, such as contents of proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), relative chlorophyll, photosynthetic pigments, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in maize leaf tissues. In addition, biomass growth, as well as quantitative and qualitative parameters of yield production were examined. Results confirm the enhancing impact of nitrapyrin on the nitrogen use of maize. Furthermore, lower activity of proline, MDA, SOD, as well as higher photosynthetic activity were shown in maize with a more favorable nutrient supply due to nitrapyrin and foliar fertilizer treatments. The obtained findings draw attention to the future practical relevance of these technologies that can be implemented to enhance the physiological development and productivity of maize. However, this paper also highlights the importance of irrigation, as nutrient uptake from soil by the crops decreases during periods of drought.

Foliar fertilizers rarely increase yield in United States soybean

AbstractFarmers have been interested in using foliar‐applied nutrient products to increase soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield since at least the 1970s, despite limited evidence that these products offer consistent yield increases when used prophylactically. Recently, interest in foliar fertilizer products for soybean production has been renewed, likely related to elevated soybean prices. Over the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons (46 site‐years), agronomists in 16 states collaborated to test six foliar nutrient treatments (commercial mixtures of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients) on soybean grain yield and composition. Soybean grain yield and composition differed among sites but not among foliar fertilizer treatments. Results show that prophylactic foliar fertilization is likely to decrease the profitability of soybean production. Foliar fertilizer products tested in this study and similar products should not be recommended to U.S. soybean farmers in the absence of visual symptoms of nutrient deficiency.

Impact of Foliar Fertilization on Growth, Flowering, and Corms Production of Five Gladiolus Varieties.

Degraded and salt affected soils are appearing more often in cultivated areas. These specific problems could reduce nutrient uptake, which can result in quality and yield loss of the cultivated plants. In order to cope with this pedo-climatic condition growers are applying fertilizers; however, due to inadequate application, soil degradation will continue. Five Gladiolus varieties were subjected to foliar fertilization treatments to assess the effect on the plant’s growth parameters, vase durability and daughter corm production. Our results indicate that plants treated with foliar fertilization show significant increase in the measured parameters, flower stem length, vase durability and daughter corm production. In conclusion, our study suggests that application of foliar fertilization can increase Gladiolus plants decoration and propagation, even with a smaller footprint on nature.

Foliar Urea with N-(n-butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide for Sustainable Yield and Quality of Pineapple in a Controlled Environment

In agricultural production, nitrogen loss leads to economic loss and is a high environmental risk affecting plant growth, yield, and quality. Use of the N fertilizer with a urease inhibitor is thus necessary to minimize N losses and increase the efficiency of N. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of N-(n-butyl) Thiophosphoric Triamide (NBPT) on the growth, yield, and quality of pineapple. The experiment involved two foliar fertilizer treatments: 1% (w/v) urea solution with NBPT (2.25 mL kg−1 urea) was treated as NLU (NBPT Liquid Urea), and the same concentration of urea without NBPT served as the control. Both were applied 12 times, starting 1 month after planting (MAP) and continuing once a month for 12 months. The application of urea with NBPT notably increased the above-ground dry biomass per plant (20% and 10% at 8 and 12 MAP, respectively), leaf area per plant (23% and 15% at 8 and 12 MAP, respectively), N accumulation per plant (10%), PFPN (Partial Factor Productivity) (13%), and average fruit weight (15%) compared to the treatment with urea alone (control). The analysis of quality parameters indicated that urea with NBPT improves TSS (Total Soluble Solids) (19%), ascorbic acid (10%), and sucrose (14%) but reduces the total organic acid content (21%) in pineapple. When using urea with a urease inhibitor (NBPT), there was a significant improvement in growth, yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency, with the additional benefit of reduced nitrogen losses, in combination with easy handling. Hence, urea with a urease inhibitor can be used as a viable alternative for increasing pineapple yield by boosting growth with better fruit quality.

Microbial biofertilizers increase fruit aroma content of Fragaria × ananassa by improving photosynthetic efficiency

Fragaria × ananassa is a widely-consumed fruit worldwide, valued for its pleasant flavor and nutritional properties. However, its lack of fragrance, unlike wild strawberries, results in customer dissatisfaction. In this study, we tested whether the biofertilizer Saccharomyces cerevisiae can enhance the aroma of strawberry. We used different fertilization methods, namely, mycorrhizal fertilization (MF) and foliar fertilization (FF), to investigate the effects of S. cerevisiae on various characteristics of F. ananassa. The results showed that the application of yeast under MF significantly increased the amount of soluble sugars and total volatiles. However, no significant difference was detected in the anthocyanin content. The amount of total volatiles in fruits under different treatments was 18.17 (MF), 11.78 (FF), and 9.51 (control) μg·g−1 fresh weight (FW). The main volatiles obtained from the fruits under MF, FF, and control treatments were esters (51.45%, 44.39%, and 29.39%, respectively), alcohols (35.93%, 28.77%, and 6.58%, respectively), and aldehydes (5.86%, 18.31%, and 62.88%, respectively). The photosynthetic rate and intercellular CO2 concentration were significantly influenced by the utilization of yeast strains. The MF treatment with yeast resulted in higher photosynthetic rate, and the plants from the FF treatment recording the highest intercellular CO2 concentration. Integrating the data of metabolites, it was suggested that S. cerevisiae, by generating CO2, promotes photosynthesis, leading to the increased sugar content in the fruits, which subsequently enhances the content of 3(2H)-Furanone, 4-methoxy-2, 5-dimethyl (DMMF) and phenylalanine-derived volatiles.

Mycorrhizal Fungi were More Effective than Zeolites in Increasing the Growth of Non-Irrigated Young Olive Trees

Four soil treatments, consisting of two commercial mycorrhizal fungi, one zeolite and an untreated control, were arranged in a factorial design with two foliar fertilization treatments, a foliar spray and a control to study the effects of commercial mycorrhizal fungi and zeolites on the growth of young, rainfed olive trees planted in very acidic soil. The concentrations in the plant tissues of most of essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and boron (B), did not significantly change with the soil treatments, whereas leaf N and B concentrations significantly increased with foliar fertilization. Leaf calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) levels were found to be much lower than their respective sufficiency ranges and increased with soil amendments, also giving positive outcomes for plant water status, photosynthetic activity and assimilation area. Ultimately, the mycorrhizal fungi increased the growth of the young trees, whereas the effect of zeolites was much smaller and not significantly different to the control. Thus, it seems that in this very acidic soil and under rainfed conditions, the major benefits for plants from the application of mycorrhizal fungi and zeolites were the alleviation of drought stress and tissue Ca and Mg disorders.

Impacts of combined N and Zn application on Zn translocation, partitioning, and accumulation in Triticum aestivum

Field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of combined application of N and Zn fertilizers on translocation, distribution, and accumulation of Zn in different organs in wheat plants. The results showed that Zn concentration and Zn accumulation in each organ were significantly different under different treatments. Compared with N3 (120 kg·hm-2), the grain Zn concentration of N1 (240 kg·hm-2) and N2 (180 kg·hm-2) increased 22.0% and 8.9%, respectively. Compared with the non-Zn application treatment (CK), grain Zn concentration under ZnS (soil Zn fertilization), ZnF (foliar Zn fertilization), and ZnS+ZnF (soil Zn fertilization combined with foliar Zn fertilization) treatments were increased by 5.4%, 60.5% and 72.8%, while Zn accumulation in grain were increased by 21.3% 82.5% and 102.4%, respectively. Zn in grain mainly came from the remobilization of Zn uptaken after antheis, with the accumulative contribution being 89.9% and 100.0% in ZnF and ZnS+ZnF, respectively. Compared with ZnS, Zn fertilizer recovery and use efficiency of ZnF and ZnS+ZnF were increased by 4.8, 1.1 times and 7.9, 2.2 times, respectively. Under current condition, Zn concentration and Zn accumulation in different organs of wheat increased with increasing N rate when it was less than 240 kg·hm-2, which was significantly increased in the grain by foliar Zn application. Therefore, Zn concentration and Zn accumulation in wheat grain could be increased by maintaining the high-yield N fertilization and combining the foliar Zn application in the late growth stage, which would improve Zn nutritional quality of wheat grain.

Foliar Fertilization as a Strategy to Increase the Proportion of Mature Pods in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

ABSTRACT Foliar application of nutrients is used by growers to remediate crop nutrient deficiencies, but anecdotal reports indicate there may be associated effects of accelerated crop maturity, particularly for irrigated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Research was conducted to determine whether application of foliar fertilizers during early pod set could increase the proportion of early-maturing pods, and thereby increase the mature proportion of the profile under irrigated conditions. Field experiments were conducted in Florida at Citra in 2016, Jay in 2016 and 2017with a randomized complete block with four foliar fertilizer treatments, applied to GA-06G at R1 and again two wks later at R2. Treatments consisted of no foliar fertilizer (control), 10.0 kg N/ha, 1.0 kg P2O5/ha, and 0.34 kg B/ha at each application and two harvest timings. Harvest treatments were based on the adjusted growing degree d model for peanut and were timed to represent early and optimal crop maturity. Leaf tissue nutrient concentrations were determined from samples collected 24h after each foliar treatment application. Yield and proportion of mature pods were quantified after each digging date. Normalized difference vegetation index data showed no treatment differences. The maturity profile (percentage of mature pods present in the sample) was not consistently different from respective controls during either harvest period. Results indicate foliar fertilizer applied during flowering had little effect on maturity acceleration in peanut, though foliar fertilization may still be effective at alleviating in-season nutrient deficiencies. Within site-year, application of foliar fertilizer did not increase yield. Under sound soil fertility management programs, foliar fertilizers did not increase yield or the maturity profile of peanut.

Impact of Foliar Fertilization on the Content of Silicon and Macronutrients in Sugar Beet.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of various multinutrient foliar fertilization treatments on nutrient accumulation in the roots and leaves of sugar beet. The field experiment was performed in two growing seasons (2013 and 2014) in the southeastern region of Poland. The experiment was conducted as a randomized block design with four replications. To determine the content of the selected nutrients (Si, N, P, K, Mg, and Ca), samples of leaves and roots were collected during harvest. Fertilization treatments applied on the plants’ leaves affected the silicon (Si) content in the roots of sugar beet and the total Si uptake. Moreover, foliar fertilization had a significant effect on the P content in the leaves and the N and K contents in the roots. The Si content in the sugar beet leaves and roots ranged from 0.55 to 1.97 g kg−1 dry matter (d. m.) and from 0.49 to 1.59 g kg−1 d. m., respectively. The total Si uptake ranged from 20.3 to 46.7 kg ha−1. Most of the Si content taken up with each fertilization variant was accumulated in the roots. The yield of pure sugar was not correlated with the Si content in the leaves and roots.