Foliar Spray Of Micronutrients Research Articles

Efficacy of foliar versus soil application of micronutrients on the production of mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Soil test-based fertilizer recommendations were calculated for mango @1.25:0.60:0.90kg N: P2O5:K2O per tree and were applied for all eight treatments as per schedule in the Randomized block design in an experimental field. The pooled analysis of the results revealed that the application of Soil test based recommended dose of fertilizer application after harvest + Soil application of FeSO4 @ 200g + ZnSO4 @ 200g + MgSO4 @ 100g +CuSO4 @50g + Borax @50g + MnSO4 @ 50g+ Foliar spray (twice) of ZnSO4 (0.3%) + FeSO4 (0.5%) + CuSO4 (0.2%) + Mg SO4 (0.5%) + Borax (0.2%) + MnSO4 (0.2%) at pre-flowering and marble stage recorded the maximum individual fruit weight (592 g) and highest yield kg per tree (380) followed by the T1 + IIHR micronutrients spray (twice) with yield per tree of 336 kg/tree while the control STCR based RDF alone after harvest recorded 193 kg/tree. The leaf nutrients were analyzed after sprays of the application of T1 + Soil application of micronutrients + Foliar Spray of micronutrients (Twice) recorded the highest leaf nutrient status of Nitrogen 1.55%, Phosphorus 0.224% and Potassium 1.39% and the highest micronutrients in leaf Iron (131.80 ppm), Zinc (20.50 ppm), Copper (37.50 ppm) and Manganese (199.20 ppm) higher as above treatment while, the control recorded lower value of Iron (66.30 ppm), Zinc (9.40 ppm), Copper (31.70 ppm) and Manganese (114.20 ppm).

Zinc-Enhanced Regulation of the Ginkgo biloba L. Response and Secondary Metabolites

Ginkgo biloba L. leaves are rich in secondary metabolites with important medicinal values; to increase their contents, foliar spraying of micronutrients is a potential strategy. Zinc, a multifunctional element, has a significant impact on the content of secondary metabolites in other plants, but relevant research into ginkgo is still lacking. In our study, different spraying time and concentration strategies were used to investigate the effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) on physiological indicators and secondary metabolites of 2-year-old ginkgo. The results demonstrated that ZnSO4 could increase the contents of hydrogen peroxide, abscisic acid, and free amino acids in ginkgo leaves. It also enhances the antioxidant enzyme activity of ginkgo leaves, decreases the content of plant auxin, and ultimately facilitates the accumulation of ginkgo terpene lactones (TTL). Spraying ZnSO4 in June resulted in a more significant increase in the contents of TTL and flavonoids compared to spraying in August. After spraying 12 mmol/L ZnSO4 in June, the contents of TTL and flavonoids in ginkgo leaves were significantly elevated by 35.95% and 24.30%, respectively, compared to those in the CK (p < 0.05). The contents of ginkgolide A, B, and C were notably increased by 45.93%, 46.56%, and 74.29%, respectively, compared to those in the CK (p < 0.05). Therefore, our study suggests that the optimal timing for spraying ZnSO4 on ginkgo is in June, with a recommended concentration of 12 mmol/L. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the accumulation of secondary metabolites in ginkgo and guides the production of its leaf-utilization plantations.

Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Micronutrients on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)

A field experiment was conducted at village Raita, Taluka Kalyan, District Thane during Rabi 2023 on peanut crop (Arachis hypogaea L) in a medium black calcareous slightly alkaline soil. The experiment was carried out to study the effect of elemental Sulphur application at the rate of 60 kg/ha along with a foliar spray of micronutrients (Cu 1.0%, Zn 3.0%, Mn 1.0%, Fe 2.5%, B 0.5%, Mo 0.1%). The trial used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with five treatments that were replicated five times each. T1 is the control, T2 is 100% RDF, or the recommended NPK 25:50:30 alone, T3 is the recommended NPK with 60 kg/ha of elemental S, T4 is the recommended NPK with 60 kg/ha coupled with foliar micronutrient spray, and T5 is the recommended NPK with foliar micronutrient spray. The yield and its attributes were significantly influenced when elemental Sulphur and foliar spray of micronutrients were applied. Plant height, number of pods/plant, and peanut seed output were significantly improved with the application of the prescribed fertilizer dose, 60 kg/ha of elemental sulphur, and a foliar spray of micronutrients (T4). The maximum plant height (56.1 cm), number of pods/plant (35.6), weight of pods/plant (92.1gm), weight of pod (1798.8 kg/ha), Haulm yield (2761.7 kg/ha), Dry weigh/plant (36.60gm), 100 seed weight (44.3gm) were all substantially greater in treatment (T4), Sulphur application of 60kg/ha significantly increased the content and uptake of primary nutrients and micronutrients by the plants at the harvested stage, as well showed a profound effect on soil physico-chemical properties.

Effect of Plant Nutrients on Fruit Yield and Quality of Cavendish Banana (Musa sp.) cv. ‘Grand Naine’

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of plant nutrients on yield and fruit quality of ‘Grand Naine’ banana under alkaline soil conditions for the two cropping seasons 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 at Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Khajura. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting of seven treatments replicated three times having four plants in an experimental plot. Planting of tissue culture banana was done at 2×2 m spacing on 4th July 2020 and suckers selected from the same plant on the same date were taken as the first ratoon crop. Farmyard manure was applied at four, chemical fertilizers at six, and micronutrients at three installments. The pooled results revealed that the longest bunch (114.30 cm), the highest number of hands (10.08) and finger number per bunch (185.80) and second hand (21.50), the heaviest bunch (25.74 kg) and second-hand weight (3.28 kg), the highest finger length (21.08 cm), diameter (3.85 cm) and weight (156.20 g) and bunch yield (64.35 mt/ha), the highest TSS (20.20%), TSS: TA ratio (47.10) and total sugar (12.55%) and the lowest TA (0.43%) were registered in T3 (20 kg FYM, 250:250:350 g NPK along with foliar spray of four types of micronutrients viz. Zn, Fe, Cu and B at 3rd 5th and 7th months of planting. Hence, from the study banana growers are recommended to use FYM, chemical fertilizers along with a foliar spray of micronutrients, at least three times in the vegetative growth stage of bananas for higher yield and improved quality of fruits.

Sulphur and Micronutrient Impact on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Yield and Nutrient Uptake

Soil composition, fertilizer quality, and fertilizer type are all important factors in the growth and yield of sunflowers. Fertilizers are generally used to replenish the soil with essential nutrients that are necessary for optimal sunflower growth and yield. To assess the impact of elemental Sulphur (S) supplementation on the yield of sunflower crops, a field experiment was conducted in December 2021 in Maharashtra soil. The trial was arranged in a Randomized Block Design with five treatments, each replicated five times.T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF i.e. Recommended NPK 80:60:40 only), T3 (Recommended NPK with 40kg/ha Elemental S), T4 (Recommended NPK with 40kg/ha along with foliar spray of micronutrients (Cu 1.0%,Zn 3.0%,Mn 1.0%,Fe 2.5%,B 0.5%,Mo 0.1%)],T5 (Recommended NPK with foliar spray of micronutrients(Cu 1.0%,Zn 3.0%,Mn 1.0%,Fe 2.5%,B 0.5%,Mo 0.1%). The application of a recommended dose of fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of elemental sulphur along with a foliar spray of micronutrients (T4) combined had a significant effect on the sunflower seed yield and quality. The utilization of a prescribed dosage of fertilizer and 40 kg/ha of elemental sulphur together had a noteworthy result on the sunflower seed yield and quality. The integration of sulphur amplified the all-inclusive nutrient concentration and their absorption by the sunflower.

Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Spray of Micronutrients on Yield and Economics of Zaid Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)

The field experiment was carried out during Zaid season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology Sciences, Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh, India. In the Experiment, The soil of plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH7.3), (EC 0.26 Ds/m), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha) and available potassium (215.4 kg/ha). The treatments includes Sulphur (20, 30, 40 kg/h), Boron (0.2%) and Zinc (0.5%) along with control. The experiment was done in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. The findings showed that Yield attributes namely kernels/pod (2.27), pods/plant (43.33), kernel yield (2.58 t/ha), pod yield (2.54 t/ha) and haulm yield (6.29 t/ha), Maximum gross return (140970.00 INR/ha), net return (89974.00 INR/ha) and B C ratio (1.76) were highest in the treatment 9 [40 Kg/ha Sulphur + 0.2 % Boron + 0.5 % Zinc].

Influence of Foliar Application of NAA and Zinc on Yield and Quality Attributes of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49

An experiment was carried out at Department of Fruit Science, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology Meerut (U.P), India during two consecutive years i.e., 2021-22 and 2022-23 to assess the Influence of foliar Spray of NAA and Zinc on growth, flowering, fruiting, yield and quality of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49 under western U.P. conditions. The foliar spray of micronutrients along with plant growth regulators play an important role in manipulating many physiological phenomena, improving the yield and quality and enhanced the productivity of plants by fulfilling the nutritional needs of fruit crops. Twelve treatments viz., three level of NAA (0, 50, and 75 ppm) and four level of Zinc (0, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 %) with their combinations were used, which were replicated in factorial Randomized Block Design. Results showed NAA @75 ppm (N2) individually registered yield of 53.75 and 53.06 kg/plant the application of Zinc at 0.8 % (Zn3) concentration recorded yield of 53.86 and 53.17 kg/plant. Interactive effect of naphthalene acetic acid and Zinc (N2Zn3) treatments registered yield of 59.56 and 58.81 kg/plant while quality parameter pectin was in the range of 0.79 and 0.80 % with treatment naphthalene acetic acid @75 ppm (N2) and Zinc at 0.8 % (Zn3) individually recorded 0.80 and 0.82 % outperformed the other treatments. The combination could be ideal and recommended for the production of guava in the Indo-Gangetic plains in western India.

Seed pre-sowing treatments and essential trace elements application effects on wheat performance

Current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different seed priming and foliar spray of micronutrients on bread wheat performance in semi-arid region in Northwest of Iran. Pre-sowing treatments were S1: no pre-sowing treatment (intact seeds), S2: hydro-priming, S3: bio-priming (seed inoculation with plant promoting rhizobacteria consortium: Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum), S4: micronutrient seed priming and foliar feeding include, check (0): distilled water spray, Fe: foliar spray of iron, Zn: foliar spray of zinc. All seed priming treatments significantly increased plant height, tiller number, canopy width, total biomass, spike mass, seed number per spike and seed yield compared to intact seeds. A brief comparison of the effect of seed priming and fertilizer treatments showed that the effects of priming treatments on improving growth and seed yield was more obvious than fertilizer treatments. The greatest increase in seed yield and yield components was recorded for plants grown from bio-fortified seeds by essential trace elements. However, comparison of fertilizer treatments showed that growth parameters were significantly affected by Zn application. From the present study, it may be concluded that combined seed priming through pre-sowing hydration, soaking in micronutrients and microbial inoculation is useful to enhance wheat production and agricultural sustainability for smallholder farmers in semi-arid region.

Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Spray of Micronutrients on Growth and Yield of Zaid Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The field experiment was conducted during Zaid season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), (EC 0.26 Ds/m), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha) and available potassium (215.4 kg/ha). The treatments consist of Sulphur (20, 30, 40 kg/h), Boron (0.2%) and Zinc (0.5%) along with control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Significantly and higher plant height (57.42 cm), dry weight (30.93 g), and the yield attributes namely kernels/pod (2.27), pods/plant (43.33), kernel yield (2.58 t/ha), pod yield (2.54 t/ha) and haulm yield (6.29 t/ha), were obtained highest in the treatment 9 [40 Kg/ha Sulphur + 0.2 % Boron + 0.5 % Zinc].

Effect of Tillage practices and Foliar Spray of Micronutrients on Growth, Yield Components and Yield of Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in Rice-Fallow System

A field experiment was conducted at farmers’ field of Rampurhat-II block, Birbhum, West Bengal, India for two consecutive rabi seasons (October–March) of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to find out the effect of tillage practices and foliar spray of micronutrients on growth, yield components and yield of grasspea variety Ratan (BioL 212). The experiment was laid out in split plot design replicated thrice having three tillage practices (no tillage utera, zero tillage and conventional tillage) in main plots and four levels of foliar spray of micronutrients (no micronutrient spray, foliar spray of Zn @ 0.05% twice at 30 and 45 DAS, foliar spray of B @ 0.1% twice at 30 and 45 DAS and foliar spray of Zn @ 0.05%+foliar spray of B @ 0.1% twice at 30 and 45 DAS) in sub-plots with twelve treatment combinations. Different tillage practices and foliar spray of micronutrients had significant response on various growth parameters, yield attributing characters (no. of pods plant-1, no. of seeds pod-1, 1000 seed weight) and yield (seed and stover) of grasspea. Among tillage practices, highest seed yield and stover yield was recorded under zero tillage (1.03 t ha-1 and 1.51 t ha-1 respectively whereas foliar spray of Zn @ 0.05% and B @ 0.1% twice at 30 and 45 DAS combinedly registered significantly highest seed yield and stover yield (0.99 t ha-1 and 1.69 t ha-1, respectively) among foliar spray of micronutrients.

Effect of sowing and micronutrients foliar spray on lentil (Lens culinaris) in West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted consecutively during 2018-19 and 2019-20 cropping seasons at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur. The study was carried out in split-plot design having two sowing dates (November first week and December first week) in main plot, and foliar spray (no spray, spray of tap water, Zn @ 0.5% (ZnSO4.7H2O), Fe @ 0.5% (FeSO4.7H2O), B @ 0.2% (Borax 10.5%), Zn @ 0.5% + B @ 0.2%, Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.5%, B @ 0.2% + Fe @ 0.5% and Zn @ 0.5% + Fe @ 0.5% + B @ 0.2%) in sub-plots with three replications. Pooled results of two years experiment clearly indicated that November sown crop produced significantly (P>0.05) higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield. November sown crop recorded 52.9%, 58.3%, 11.3% and 3.0% higher number of pods, seed yield, stover yield and test weight compared to the crop sown in December. Foliar spraying of micronutrients, viz. B @ 0.2% + Fe @ 0.5% produced significantly higher seed and stover yield of 1438 kg/ha and 3981 kg/ha respectively, which were 58.3% and 27.0% more than that obtained from the control treatment (772 and 3134 kg/ha). Delay in sowing of crop from November to December reduced the crop duration by 11.4 days (113.4 days vs 101.7 days) which affected the yield of the crop. Overall, it can be concluded that lentil sown during November along with foliar spray B @ 0.2% + Fe @ 0.5% can improve the yield in new alluvial zone of West Bengal, India.

Foliar fertilization of micronutrients on the performance of zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo) under the Old Meghna Estuarine Floodplain of Bangladesh

Zucchini squash is a popular vegetable linked to many health benefits. Micronutrients although used in a small quantity, play a significant role for optimal plant growth and development however, little is known about foliar feedings of micronutrients on this crop. Therefore, the current research was conducted during 2020 to evaluate foliar micronutrient treatments viz., boron (B), zinc (Zn), silicon (Si), chlorine (Cl), and their combination on growth and yield-related attributes of ‘zucchini squash cv. Surma F:‘. The 12 micronutrient treatments were untreated control, 0.2% boron, 0.2% ZnSO4, 0.2% SiO2, 0.2% NaCl, 0.2% boron + 0.2% ZnSO4, 0.2% boron + 0.2% SiO2, 0.2% boron + 0.2% NaCl, 0.2% ZnSO4 + 0.2% SiO2, 0.2% ZnSO4 + 0.2% NaCl, 0.2% SiO2 + 0.2% NaCl, and mixture of 0.2% boron + 0.2% ZnSO4 + 0.2% SiO2 + 0.2% NaCl. Eight out of 16 parameters viz., stem length (38.94 cm), stem diameter (3 cm), number of leaves (25.64), length of the largest leaf (30.24 cm), length of plant canopy (133.65 cm), number of marketable fruits (6.54), yield plot−1 (18.76 kg) and total yield ha−1 (46.89 tons) was meaningfully influenced with the foliar spray of the treatments whereas the combination of 0.2% boron and 0.2% ZnSO4 was found to relatively be better regarding growth and yield-related attributes of zucchini squash. The results suggest that foliar spray of micronutrients might play significant role in zucchini production.

Effect of raised bed, mulching and fertigation on productivity and quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.) under high density planting system

Aim: Increasing the input use efficiency by planting of guava on raised bed, mulched with black polythene sheet along with fertilizer application through drip and foliar spray of micro-nutrients (zinc and boron). Methodology: Experiment was carried out during 2015-2019 for mrig bahar crop in Lalit guava planted at 3 × 3 m spacing in ICAR-CISH, Lucknow with 5 different treatments (T1 = Raised bed +drip irrigation @ 80% PE + fertigation @ 75% RDF + mulching with 100µ black polythene + micro-nutrient spray in July and August @ 0.2% each of zinc sulphate and boric acid, T2 = Raised bed + drip irrigation + fertigation + mulching, T3 = Raised bed + drip irrigation + fertigation + micronutrient sprays, T4 = Raised bed + drip irrigation +micro-nutrient sprays + soil application of RDF @ 50:25:50 g N:P:K, T5 / control = Flat bed + soil application of RDF + basin irrigation). Results: Canopy volume, trunk-cross sectional area and yield were significantly increased in T1, which could be attributed to better microclimate in root zone, resulting in improved growth and yield. Interpretation: The findings of this research have generated the technique of improving space, water and nutrient use efficiency under high density planting system of guava cv. Lalit in subtropical climate which will help the guava growers for sustaining quality production.

The Response of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) to Soil Moisture and Heat Stress Under Different Dates of Sowing and Foliar Application of Micronutrients.

Soil moisture and air temperature stress are the two major abiotic factors limiting lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) growth and productivity in the humid tropics. Field experiments were conducted during winter seasons (November to March) of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 on clay loam soil (AericHaplaquept) of Eastern India to cultivate rainfed lentil, with residual moisture. The objective was to study the effect of different time of sowing and foliar spray of micronutrients in ameliorating the effect of heat and moisture stress lentil crop experience in its reproductive stage. The study was conducted with two different dates of sowing, November and December, as main plot treatment and micronutrients foliar spray of boron, iron, and zinc either alone or in combination as subplot treatment. No foliar spray treatment was considered as a control. The soil moisture content is depleted from 38 to 18% (sowing to harvest) during November sowing; however, in December sowing, the depletion is from 30 to 15%. The foliar spray of micronutrients helped to have a better canopy cover and thus reduced soil evaporation during the later stages of crop growth when the temperature was beyond the threshold temperature of the crop. Crop growth rate (CGR) and biomass were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) for November sown crop and with foliar spray of boron and iron (FSB + FE) micronutrients. In the later stages of the crop when the soil moisture started depleting with no precipitation, the canopy temperature increased compared with air temperature, leading to positive values of Stress Degree Days (SDD) index. Delay in sowing reduced the duration by 11.4 days (113.5 vs. 102.1 days), resulting in varied accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD). FSB + FE resulted in the highest yield in both years (1,436 and 1,439 kg ha−1). The results of the study concluded that the optimum time of sowing and foliar spray of micronutrients may be helpful to alleviate the soil moisture and heat stress for the sustainability of lentil production in the subtropical region.

Growth, Yield and Quality Response of Three Wheat Varieties to Foliar Spray of Micro Nutrients

A field experiment was carried out to test the result of foliar application of micro nutrients on growth, quality and yield of three wheat verities. The trial was performed at Agronomic research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Wheat varieties Jouhar 2016, Ujala 2015 and Gold 2016 were sown. Combination of micro nutrient (Zn 2%, B 0.5%, Fe 1%, Mn 1% and Cu 0.5%) with different amounts (no spray, water spray, 1000 mL/ha, 1250 mL/ha and 1500 mL/ha) was sprayed at booting stage. By results of this study,it is concluded that foliar spray of micro nutrients has significant effect on growth, yield and quality parameters. Statistically highly significant effect of 1250 mL/ha spray of micro nutrients mixture was observed on plant height (105.33 cm), grains/spike (48), grain yield (5336.3 Kg/ha), biological yield (12829 Kg/ha), carbohydrates (63.7%) and protein (11.4%) under V2F4 (Ujala 2015 + 1250 mL/ha micro nutrients).
 

Effect of micronutrients foliar spray on thermal Indices, phenology and yield of Lentil in new Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted at BCKV during Rabi, 2018-19 and 2019-20 to study the effect of Zn, Fe and B foliar spray on phenology and thermal indices of popular lentil variety, Moitree (WBL 77) under different sowing condition [1st week of November (normal) and 1st week of December (late)]. Delay in sowing of crop from November to December reduced the crop duration by 11.4 days (113.4 days vs 101.7 days). The variation in mean daily temperature and bright sunshine hour among two sowing dates resulted in varied accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD), Helio Thermal Units (HTU) as well as Photo Thermal Unit (PTU). It was found that different dates of sowing have a larger impact on change in phenology of the crop and thus affect various thermal indices. Foliar spraying of micronutrients viz., B + Fe @ 0.5% produced significantly higher seed and stover yield of 1438 kg ha-1 and 3981 kg ha-1 respectively, which were 86.26% and 27.0% more than that obtained from the control treatment (772 and 3134 kg ha-1). The study conducted revealed that along with optimum date of sowing, spraying micronutrients especially a mixture of B+Fe@0.5 % and B+Zn+Fe@0.5 % could also bring in change of phenology to some extent. This may help in better accumulation of photosynthate hence, improving the yield responses of lentil.

Influence of lime and micronutrients on head quality and economics of Broccoli (Brassica oleraceae var. italica) var. Palam Samridhi

The experiment was conducted at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during Rabi 2017-18 to find out the efficacy of lime and micronutrients (Boron and Zinc) on production of quality heads with higher benefit cost (BC) ratio in broccoli variety “Palam Samridhi”. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with lime (with or without) as main plot while 7 levels of micronutrients (Boron and Zinc) in sub-plot replicated thrice. The results revealed that, invariably lime application increased better head quality (viz; TSS-7.060Brix, ascorbic acid- 94.70 mg 100g-1, protein-1.48% and total sugar-1.73%) with higher BC ratio (1.80) than treatment without lime (viz; TSS-6.60Brix, ascorbic acid- 86.86 mg 100g-1, protein-1.34% and total sugar-1.62% and BC ratio-1.72), irrespective of micronutrients. Similarly, combined foliar spray with borax @ 0.2% and ZnSO4 @ 0.5% recorded good quality heads (viz; TSS-7.030 Brix, ascorbic acid- 97.25 mg 100g-1, protein-1.70% and total sugar-1.79%) and higher BC ratio than rest of other treatments, irrespective of lime. Invariably, foliar spray of micronutrients were recorded better head quality (viz; TSS-7.030Brix, ascorbic acid- 97.25 mg 100g-1, protein-1.70% and total sugar-1.79%) with higher BC ratio (1.85) than corresponding soil application of micronutrients (viz; TSS-6.950Brix, ascorbic acid- 90.77 mg 100g-1, protein-1.66% and total sugar-1.73% and BC ratio-1.73). It may be concluded that soil application of lime with combined foliar spray of borax @ 0.2% and ZnSO4 @ 0.5% not only produced good quality heads but also higher profits in broccoli var. “Palam Samridhi” in acidic soil.

Effect of spacing and foliar spray of micronutrients on growth and yield of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.)

An experiment was conducted, with a view to study the effect of spacing and foliar spray of micronutrient on growth and yield characters on cluster bean. Among levels of spacing, S3 (45 cm × 30 cm) was found best in fresh weight, dry weight, number of clusters plant-1, number of pods cluster-1, number of pods plant-1, total yield plant-1, pod yield ha-1. However, S1 (45 cm × 20 cm) level of spacing gave maximum plant height and stem diameter. Foliar spray of 0.5% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4 showed maximum stem diameter at 90 DAS, fresh weight of plant (148.64 g), number of clusters plant-1, number of pods cluster-1, number of pods plant-1, total pod yield plant-1, respectively. The treatment combination S3F3 {(45 cm × 30 cm) + (0.5% FeSO4 + 0.5% ZnSO4)} showed significantly maximum number of pods plant-1, pod yield plant-1 and hectare-1.

Effect of spacing and foliar spray of micronutrients on quality attributes and economics of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.)

Effect of spacing and foliar spray of micronutrients on quality attributes and economics of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.)

Integrated nutrients management in Khadrawy date palm under hot arid region

A field experiment was conducted to see the effect of organic (FYM) and inorganic (NPK) sources as well as foliar spray of micronutrients on fruit yield and quality of date palm fruits. Total eighteen treatments were taken, and allocated in randomized block design with three replications on uniform 35 years old date palmtrees. The treatments were applied during last week of October in soil application, and foliar applications of micronutrients were applied twice in November and March. The results revealed that the combined applicationof T15 (100 kg FYM + 1.00 kg N + 0.500 kg P2O5 + 1.00 kg K2O + 1.00% FeSO4 + 0.50% ZnSO4) and T14 (100 kg FYM + 1.00 kg N + 0.50 kg P2O5 + 1.00 kg K2O + 0.50% FeSO4 + 0.25% ZnSO4) significantly improved the fruit yield,total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, N, P, K, Fe and Zn content in fruit, and reduced the acidity and tannin content with higher returns over rest of the treatments. Thus, this manure, fertilizers andmicro-nutrients dose helped in sustainable optimum production of quality and nutritional fruits of date palm cv. Khadrawy in Bikaner conditions.