Foliar Nutrient Sprays Research Articles

ZnO quantum dots outperform nanoscale and bulk particles for enhancing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) growth and nutritional values.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings were exposed by foliar or root applications to Zn in different nanoscale and non-nanoscale forms (40 mg Zn/L) under hydroponic conditions for 15 days. Under foliar exposure, ZnO QDs significantly promoted tomato growth, while ZnO NPs and BPs had lower impacts. ZnO QDs increased fresh weight and plant height by 42.02 % and 21.10 % relative to the untreated controls, respectively. The ionic control (ZnSO4·7H2O, 176.6 mg/L) decreased fresh weight by 39.31 %. ZnO QDs also significantly increased the Chla/Chlb ratio, as well as carotenoids and protein content by 7.70 %, 8.90 % and 26.33 %, respectively, over the untreated controls, suggesting improvement in seedling photosynthetic performance. Antioxidant enzyme (POD, PPO and PAL) activities in ZnO QDs treated shoots were significantly decreased by 31.1 %, 17.8 % and 48.3 %, respectively, indicating no overt oxidative damage from exposure. Importantly, the translocation factor of Zn (TFZn) in the foliar exposure of the ZnO QDs treatment was 73.2 %, 97.1 % and 276.9 % greater than the NPs, BPs, and ionic controls, respectively. Overall, these findings clearly demonstrate that foliar spray of nanoscale nutrients at the appropriate concentration and size can significantly increase crop growth and be a sustainable approach to nano-enabled agriculture.

Influence of foliar spray of nutrients on crop performance and seed yield of lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album L)

Influence of foliar spray of nutrients on crop performance and seed yield of lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album L)

Effect of Irrigation Levels, Nipping and Foliar Spray of Nutrients with Growth Regulators on Yield, Yield Parameter and Economics of Transplanted Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (l.) Millsp.)

Background: Agronomic practices like supplemental irrigation, nipping, foliar nutrition of macro and micro nutrients and growth regulators are important for realizing the maximum yield potential in transplanted Pigeonpea. Hence the present study was carried out in combination with agronomic production management practices via supplemental irrigation, nipping, and foliar nutrition of macro and micronutrients, growth regulators on transplanted pigeonpea.
 Methods: The experiment was carried out using a split plot design with sixteen treatment combinations with three replications during Kharif 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment included two degrees of irrigation as the primary factor, eight management techniques, fertilizer nipping and foliar spray, as well as a growth regulator as sub factor.
 Results: The findings showed that among the different irrigation levels, irrigation each at pre-flowering and pod filling stage recorded significantly higher seed yield and yield parameter viz., number of pods and seed yield per plant at harvest. Among the management practices, nipping +1% pulse magic +1 % 19:19:19 NPK Spray at flowering and 15 days after first flowering recorded significantly higher yield and yield parameter and also higher returns.

The Impact of Calcium, Potassium, and Boron Application on the Growth and Yield Characteristics of Durum Wheat under Drought Conditions

Water stress affects the growth, development, and yield of crops. The objective of this study is to evaluate the positive effects of nutrients (calcium, potassium, and boron) on durum wheat facing drought stress. Two treatments of calcium, potassium, and boron were used under drought and well-watered conditions on two varieties of durum wheat (V1—Preco; V2—Kronos). The data depict that the exogenous application of these nutrients gave significantly different (p < 0.05) results. The percentage increase in shoot length and root length was 29% and 35% compared to the untreated, drought-facing plants. There is also an increase in the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments and osmolytes. The foliar spray of nutrients enhances the synthesis of antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase, which reduce the production of free radicals. It also helps to maintain the stability of membranes and other cell organelles. The spray application enhances the yield of durum wheat, i.e., the percentage increase in the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight was 23% and 25% compared to the untreated, drought-facing plants. The use of these nutrients considerably improves the functioning of antioxidant machinery, helping combat the adverse effects of drought. Additionally, they improve the growth- and yield-related parameters. Hence, these sprays can be used as a plant growth regulator.

Effect of fertigation and foliar spray of nutrients on soil fertility and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L)

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif, 2020-21 at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) to study the effect of fertigation and foliar spray of nutrients on soil fertility and yield of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L). The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The two factors i.e., fertigation levels and foliar spray levels were evaluated against soil fertility and yield of bottle gourd. The results indicate, that the foliar spray of nutrients did not influence significantly the soil pH, EC, while with fertigation levels, significantly lowest pH was observed with S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) while EC was not significant. The organic carbon content and major nutrient i.e., available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were increased by 11, 25, 22 and 5% with fertigation level of S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) over S3 (100:50:50 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O), and by 21, 7, 15 and 5% with foliar spray level of F3 (Two foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25%) over F0 (water spray). The micronutrient contents particularly Fe, Mn, and Zn were significantly increased by 32, 11, and 14% with foliar spray levels of S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) over S3 (100:50:50 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) and by 52, 18, and 62% with foliar spray level of F3 (Two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25%) over F0 (water spray). The yield of bottle gourd was significantly higher with F3 (Two foliar sprays of ZnSO4 @ 0.25% + FeSO4 @ 0.25%) in combination with S1 (200:100:100 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) and S2 (150:75:75 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O).

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Exogenous Spray of Bio-Stimulants on Seed Quality of Kabuli Chickpea

Biostimulants have been defined as substances or materials extracted from plants, which have the capacity to beneficially modify plant growth. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae and it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and protein. Two field experiments were conducted in Northwestern Iran (L1: Maragheh and L2: Hashtroud) to determine the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) application (0 and 20 t/ha) and foliar application of bio-stimulants and chemical nutrients (acid salicylic, acid ascorbic, riboflavin, silicon dioxide nanoparticles, micronutrients, and distilled water as control) on nutritional characteristics of chickpea seeds. Results showed that there is a significant difference between seed quality of plant grown in two locations and the highest content of fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid), nitrogen, phosphorus, starch, and protein were recorded in seeds harvested from L2. Also, foliar application of micronutrient and silicon dioxide nanoparticles significantly increased dietary fiber, ash, starch, protein percentage. Concentrations of mineral nutrients (N, P, Fe, and Zn) significantly increased with the foliar application of micronutrients. Spray of acid salicylic and acid ascorbic increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in both locations. Furthermore, the highest amount of flavonoid and crude oil was achieved by foliar spray of acid salicylic, silicon, and riboflavin. Although foliar spray of bio-stimulants and chemical nutrients improved seed quality in both locations, their positive effects were more pronounced in L2 where the soil and climate condition were partially better than L1. Overall, the best performance for major compounds of chickpea seeds was achieved by foliar spray of acid salicylic, micronutrients, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles in the FYM treatment. The present study indicate that improving the soil conditions is essential before foliar treatments. From the present investigation, it may be concluded that soil management using farmyard and crop management with foliar application of bio-stimulants were able to improve the quality of seeds and nutritional value of Kabuli chickpeas in both areas. Also, results showed that the application of FYM in L1 which has previously been under poor management, incorrect rotations, and experienced intensive agriculture are very necessary. Foliar feeding with micronutrients and foliar spray salicylic acid as well as Si-NPs under FYM applied conditions noticeably increased seed quality especially in the site with better soil and climate conditions (L2). Improving soil conditions can lead to prominent effects of foliar treatments. Our results revealed that foliar spray of Si-NPs, micronutrients and salicylic acid as simple and accessible crop management options can be effective in the semi-arid regions. Further research is needed to prove their positive functions at the subcellular level.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Nutrients on Yield and Quality of Nagpur Mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco.)

Effect of Foliar Spray of Nutrients on Yield and Quality of Nagpur Mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco.)

Influence of Seed Priming and Foliar Spray of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

An experiment was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) for three consecutive years viz. 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 to study the Influence of seed priming and foliar spray of nutrients on growth and yield of Rabi Sorghum during the winter seasons. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two factors. The treatments comprised were Factor 1: Seed priming (5) 1.Priming for 12 Hours in Water 2.Priming with ZnSo4 (2% solution) 3.Priming with K2HPO4 (2% solution). 4. Priming with KNO3 (2% solution) and 5.Control (No Priming). Factor 2: Foliar Spray (4) 1.KNO3 @ 2g in 100 ml of water, 2. Diammonium phosphate @ 2g in 100 ml of water, 3.Urea @ 2g in 100 ml of water and 5.Control (Simple water spray) with three replications. The pooled results of the trial indicated that seed treatment with KNO3 @ 0.5% and seed priming with KH2PO4 @ 0.5% recorded significantly on par and highest among all other seed priming treatment. The 100 seed weight (g) and grain yield t/ha recorded significantly on par by foliar spraying of KNO3 @ 2 % and di ammonium phosphate @ 2g in 100 ml of water over the control. The combination of seed priming with KNO3 and foliar spray of KNO3 or di ammonium phosphate @ 2g in 100 ml of water or Urea @ 2g in 100 ml of water resulted in highest and on par grain yield of rabi sorghum.

​Effect of Foliar Spray of Nutrients, Growth Regulators on Seed Yield and Quality in Hybrid Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp

Background: The new generation special fertilizers have been introduced exclusively for foliar feeding and fertilization. The increased supply of nutrients and good response by plants resulted in enhanced translocation of nutrients to reproductive structures.Therefore, it is planned to study the effect of different nutrients as a foliar spray for growth, yield and seed quality parameters of hybrid pigeon pea. Methods: The experiment on effect of foliar spray of nutrients, growth regulators on seed yield, quality in hybrid pegionpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] was conducted at Seed Farm, College of Agriculture, Vijayapura, Karnataka during kharif 2019-2020. The treatment consisting of foliar spray of control (T1), 1% Pulse magic (T2), 1% 19:19:19 (T3), 0.2% Borax (T4), 50 ppm NAA (T5), 1% Pulse magic+1%19:19:19 (T6), 1% Pulse magic+0.2% Borax (T7), 1% Pulse magic+50 ppm NAA (T8), 1% Pulse magic+1% 19:19:19+0.2% Borax (T9), 1% Pulse magic+ 1% 19:19:19+50 ppm NAA (T10), 1% Pulse magic+1% 19:19:19+50 ppm NAA+0.2% Borax (T11). Foliar spray was taken at flower initiation and peak flowering stage. Result: The results revealed that, foliar application of Pulse magic @1% +19:19:19@1%+ NAA@50 ppm + Borax@0.2% recorded higher number of branches (10.60), number of pods per plant (239.33), number of seeds per plant (5.75), test weight (12.18g), hybrid seed yield per plant (48.17g), hybrid seed yield per plot (1188.83g), hybrid seed yield per ha (1499kg /ha) and seed quality parameters viz: seed germination (93%), shoot length (15.08 cm), root length (18.67 cm), seedling vigour index(2649), lower electric conductivity (0.59 dSm-1) and protein percentage (22.18 %) respectively.

English

The aim of present study was to study the effect of foliar spray of different nutrients (potassium sulphate, potassium nitrate and potassium orthophosphate) on physic-chemical attributes in peach cv. Shan-i-Punjab at different concentrations. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications having one tree per replication. The treatments were applied as foliar spray in the end of March. The maximum fruit weight (83.54g) and fruit length (62.8 mm) was recorded in KNO3 (3%), closely followed by KNO3 (2%) i.e. (81.27 g and 62.20 mm) respectively, Foliar spray of KNO3 (2%) resulted into maximum fruit diameter (62.40 mm) as compared to all other treatments. Maximum shape index (1.06) was observed with foliar spray of KH2PO4 (2%). The physical quality of fruits with respect to stone weight, pulp weight, pulp stone ratio and pulp thickness was found maximum with foliar spray of KNO3 @ 3.0% i.e. (9.32g, 74.22g, 7.96 and 1.93 mm) respectively, Minimum fruit firmness and fruit acidity was observed in foliar spray of K2SO4 (2%) i.e. (6.96 kg/cm2 and 0.89%) respectively, while foliar spray of K2SO4 @ 1.5% resulted into maximum mean TSS i.e. (8.20%). High skin color was observed with foliar spray of K2SO4 (1.5 and 2.0%). Foliar spray of KNO3 at (2.0 and 3.0%) resulted into mean fruit ascorbic acid (9.32 mg/100 g fruit pulp).

Impact of foliar spray of nutrients and seed treatment on protein uptake and protein yield of lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus L.) under relay cropping system

An experiment was carried out during the Rabi season of 2016, to study the impact of foliar spray of nutrients and seed treatment on protein uptake and protein yield of lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus L.) Under relay cropping system at the Agronomy Research Farm of IGKV, Raipur.The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with twelve treatments replicated thrice. highest cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and B:C ratio was found in treatment F5: 0.5% NPK (19:19:19) spray at branching and 15 days after 1st spray (11570.50, 29492.64, 18618.14, 1.712 Rs.ha-1, respectively), where as in case of seed treatment S2: seed treatment with Sodium molybdate @ 0.5 g kg-1 seed gave the maximum cost of cultivation, gross return, net return and B:C ratio (11308.17, 26475.39, 15583.39, 1.431 Rs.ha-1 , respectively).

The Effect of Foliar and Ground-Applied Essential Nutrients on Huanglongbing-Affected Mature Citrus Trees.

The fate of foliar and ground-applied essential nutrients is the least studied topic under citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB)-affected citrus, which is inherently suffering from severe root decline because of HLB-associated problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate if ground-applied coupled with foliar spray of essential nutrients can reverse the decline in tree growth and understand the fate of the nutrients in the soil-root-tree interfaces. The treatments were arranged in a split-split plot design in which nitrogen (N) was ground-applied in 20 splits biweekly and Mn, Zn, and B were foliar and /or ground-applied in three splits following the spring, summer, and late summer flush seasons. Soil nutrients in three depths (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm), root, and leaf nutrient concentrations of the essential nutrients, leaf area index (LAI), and tree canopy volume (TCV) data were studied twice (spring and summer) for two years. A significantly higher soil NH4-N and NO3-N concentrations were detected in the topsoil depth than the two lower soil depths (15–30 and 30–45 cm) indicating lesser nutrient leaching as trees received moderate (224 kg ha−1) N rate. Except for soil zinc (Zn) concentration, all the nutrient concentrations were significantly higher in the topsoil (0–15 cm), compared with two lower soil depths indicating that Zn was intricate by changes in soil environmental conditions, root acquisition, and/or leaching to lower soil depth. Leaf N concentration significantly increased over time following seasonal environmental fluctuations, tree growth, and development. Thus, leaf N concentration remained above the optimum nutrient range implying lower N requirement under irrigation scheduling with SmartIrrigation, an App used to determine the daily irrigation duration to meet tree water requirement and split fertigation techniques. Root Manganese (Mn) and Zn concentrations were significantly higher in the root tissues of the treated than the control trees and translocated to the leaves accordingly. Meanwhile, a significantly higher LAI for trees budded on Swingle (Swc) rootstock however, larger TCV for trees budded on Volkameriana (Volk) rootstocks. The trees had significantly larger TCV when the trees received a moderate N rate during early study years and under foliar 9 kg ha−1 coupled with the ground 9 kg ha−1 Mn and Zn treatments during the late study years. Therefore, split ground application of 224 kg ha−1 of N, foliar applied 9 kg ha−1 coupled with ground-applied 9 kg ha−1 Mn and Zn were the suggested rates to sustain the essential leaf nutrient concentration within the optimum ranges and improve the deterioration of vegetative growth associated with HLB-induced problems of citrus trees.

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).
 

English

English

Productivity of Field Crops as Influenced by Foliar Spray of Nutrients: A Review

Foliar application of nutrients plays an important role in changing growth and physiological characteristics of field crops. In optimizing fertilization strategies, inclusion of foliar application improves fertilizer use efficiency and reduces environmental pollution. Foliar application of nutrients during flower and grain formation stages has been shown to be effective in efficient utilization of nutrients by crops and thereby reduce flower shedding and increase the yield. Keeping this in view, the literatures on foliar application of Di-ammonium phosphate and boron on the growth, yield and quality of field crops are reviewed in this paper.

Impact of foliar spray of nutrients seed yield and economics of soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Soybean yield was significantly influenced by the foliar spray of nutrients and highest yield was recorded with RDF+19-19-19 (NPK) @ 2% foliar spray at pod initiation stage (3132 kg/ha) which was on par with RDF+DAP @ 2%foliar spray (2976 kg/ha). But, highest net returns and B:C ratio was recorded with RDF+urea @ 2%.

Physiological approaches to improve productivity of <em>Rabi </em>sorghum (<em>Sorghum bicolor</em> L<em>. </em>Moench) through foliar nutrition

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (ARS) Bheemarayanagudi, UAS, Raichur, Karnataka during Rabi -2018, to study the influence of foliar spray of nutrients and PGRs on growth and yield of Rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) variety M 35-1. The experiment was laid out in RCBD and was replicated thrice. There were twenty treatments consisting of primary (2%), secondary (0.5%), micronutrients (0.1%), salicylic acid (200 ppm) and cycocel (4000 ppm) alone or in combination. Foliar spray treatments viz., CCC and SA were imposed at 40 and 50 DAS, respectively. The foliar spray of essential nutrients were imposed twice at 60 and 80 DAS. Foliar spray treatment T19 (Primary nutrients@ 2%+ Secondary nutrients @ 0.5%+ Micronutrients @0.1%+ SA @200ppm + CCC@400ppm) recorded the significant improvement grain yield (1996.5 kg ha-1)over control (1,376 kg ha-1). The significant increase in the seed yield with combination of nutrients and PGRs (T19) may be due to the improvement in the yield traits namely ear length, ear weight, seeds per ear and test weight, which were largely depends on the growth parameters like plant height, leaf area and total dry matter accumulation and its partition into leaf, stem, and ear. Thus, improvement in the yield seems to be due to timely supply of essential nutrients and PGRs.

Impact of front line demonstrations on integrated crop management in rice fallow black gram in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh

The productivity of pulses in India is lower than most of the major pulse producing countries. As pulses are the major protein source in Indian diet, India has become the largest importer of pulses. The aim of demonstrations in general is to raise production through transfer of technology to the farming community to increase the yields. Thus, front line demonstrations (FLD) were conducted on ICM in rice fallow black gram in various locations in Srikakulam district in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh during Rabi 2017-18 to 2019-20 to evaluate the difference between demonstrated technologies vis-a-vis practices followed by the local farmers in rice fallow black gram. Foliar nutrient sprays and timely use of appropriate pesticides along with other low-cost technologies has greatly increased the yields (600 kg/ha) of rice fallow black gram recording pod yield of 14 pods per plant over the local check plots on an average. These results have influenced the 110 peer farmers of the same as well as farmers of the neighboring villages from the FLD farmers which have resulted in the adoption of this technology in the district.

Role of mineral nutrition in alleviation of heat stress in cotton plants grown in glasshouse and field conditions

Coincidence of high temperature with terminal reproductive pheno-stages of cotton is chief constraint to achieve yield potential. This high temperature interfere plant defensive system, physiological process, water relations and lint yield production. In this study, we modulated the detrimental outcomes of heat stress on cotton through the foliar spray of nutrients. Cotton crop was exposed to sub-optimal and supra-optimal thermal regimes for a period of one week at squaring, flowering and boll formation stages under glass house and field conditions. Foliar spray of potassium (K-1.5%), zinc (Zn-0.2%) and boron (B-0.1%) were applied at three reproductive stages one day prior to expose high temperature regimes. High temperature increased lipid membrane damage through increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in cotton leaves. High temperature stress also reduced leaf chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water potential, averaged boll weight (g) and seed cotton yield per plant. Various nutrients variably influenced growth and physiology of heat-stressed cotton plants. Zinc outclassed all other nutrients in increasing leaf SOD, CAT, POX, AsA, TPC activity, chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, water potential, boll weight and seed cotton yield per plant. For example, zinc improved seed cotton yield under supra-optimal thermal regime by 17% and under sub-optimal thermal regime by 12% of glasshouse study while 19% under high temperature sowing dates of field study than the water treated plants under the same temperatures. Conclusively, increasing intensities of temperature adversely affected the recorded responses of cotton and exogenous application of Zn efficaciously alleviated heat induced perturbations. Moreover, exogenous nutrients mediated upregulations in physiochemical attributes induced heat tolerance at morphological level.

Impact of foliar nutrient sprays, crop and spatial manipulation on seed yield of Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees

An attempt was made to study the effect of pinching, plant densities and foliar nutrient sprays on seed yield and quality parameters in China aster cv. Powder puff. The experiment comprised of two levels of pinching (P0 = No pinching, P1 = Pinching), three planting densities (D1 = 30 plants m-2, D2 = 36 plants m-2 and D3 = 42 plants m-2) and three levels of commercial nutrient sprays (S1= 3 sprays, S2= 4 sprays and S3 = 5 sprays), constituting a total of 18 treatment combinations replicated thrice in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Pinching at visible bud stage, significantly increased 1000 seed weight (2.18 g) and seed yield (490.85 kg/ha), Increasing the planting density resulted in increased seed yield (485.55 kg/ha) and 1000 seed weight (2.05 g). On the other hand, 4 and 5 nutrient sprays significantly improved seed yield (463.12 kg/ha-) and 1000 seed weight (1.95 g). The results from the study suggest that increased branching with apical bud removal, wider planting space and 4 to 5 foliar applications of multi-nutrient sprays, significantly improves seed yield and quality attributes of transplanted China aster. While suggesting the best combination of pinching, spacing and nutrient sprays, the economics of flower production was duly considered.