Form Of Zinc Sulphate Research Articles

Effect of Different Zn Concentrations on Crop Growth and Root Nodulation in Yard-Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata L.)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of Zinc (Zn) as a micronutrient on growth and nodulation in Vigna unguiculata L. The experiment was carried out as a pot experiment in the Crop Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Palachcholai, Eastern University, Sri Lanka from August to November 2023. The experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Design with six treatments and four replicates. The treatments are T1 (Control), T2 (50 mg ZnSO4/kg soil), T3 (100 mg ZnSO4/kg soil), T4 (150 mg ZnSO4/kg soil), T5 (200 mg ZnSO4/kg soil) & T6 (250 mg ZnSO4/kg soil). The experiment used source of Zinc in the form of Zinc Sulphate (ZnSO4,5H2O) which yard-long bean plants can grow. The experiment results showed that, T2 treatment, the soil treated with 50 mg ZnSO4/kg soil significantly increase the Plant height, Chlorophyll content, Leaf area, Fresh weight of shoot & root, Dry weight of shoot & root, Number of nodules, Effective nodule percentage, as well as Soil respiration compared to the other treatments. However, beyond the level of 200 mg ZnSO4/kg soil, reduces the growth & nodulation of Vigna unguiculata L. and this shows that the level 200 mg ZnSO4/kg soil and beyond that level were the toxic level to the Vigna unguiculata L. Accordingly, the treatment T2 (50 mg ZnSO4/kg soil) was at the micronutrient level of Zn concentration which involved in many key cellular functions and show the best positive effect on growth and nodulation in Vigna unguiculata L. The results clearly indicate that, Zn can be use as a micronutrient up to a trace level in inducing plant growth and nodulation. However, at higher levels of Zn may act as heavy metal and cause phyto-toxicity in plants.

Enhancing wheat production and quality in alkaline soil: a study on the effectiveness of foliar and soil applied zinc

Cultivation of high-yield varieties and unbalanced fertilization have induced micronutrient deficiency in soils worldwide. Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and its deficiency is most common in alkaline and calcareous soils. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Zn applied either alone or in combination with foliar application on the quality and production of wheat grown in alkaline soils. Zn was applied in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSo4) to the soil and as a foliar spray during the sowing and tillering stages, respectively. Results showed that Zn fertilization of wheat, irrespective of modes of application, significantly increased grain and biological yield, grain per spike, and 1,000 grains weight over control; however, its effect was more noticeable when applied as 7.5 kg ha−1of soil Zn combined with foliar Zn at 2.5 kg ha−1. Zn application significantly increased the grain protein content from 9.40% in the control to a maximum of 11.83% at soil Zn of 10 kg ha−1. Similarly, Zn application improved Zn, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) concentrations in wheat grains. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that the grain Zn concentration was positively correlated with the grain P concentration. The correlation between P concentration in wheat grains and 1,000 grain weight was not significant. A total of 1,000 grains weight was positively correlated with tillers per plant, grain yield, and biological yield. There were positive correlations between protein content, biological yield, grain yield, and tillers per plant. Therefore, soil-applied Zn + foliar application in alkaline soils with limited Zn availability is crucial for improving wheat yield and grain quality.

Exploring the effect of zinc and boron application on oil contents, protein contents, growth and yield of sunflower

Sunflower is sensitive to boron (B) and zinc (Zn) deficiency when grown on deficient soil, A field experiment was conducted to determine the main and interactive effects of soil applied Zn and B on total production of sunflower at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBI) with factorial arrangement using three replications with net plot size of 6 m x 4.5 m. The soil application of variable levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) and B (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1) in the form of zinc sulphate and boric acid, respectively were applied at time of sowing. All other agronomic and plant protection practices were kept uniform. The data regarding growth, yield and quality parameters were noted by using standard procedures. Results showed that Zn @ 20 kg ha-1 and B @ 3 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of plants per plot at harvest, stem diameter, head diameter, number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight, biological yield and days to maturity, achene yield kg per, harvest index, leaf concentrations or Zn at heading stage, leaf concentrations of B at heading stage (ppm), achene oil content (%), achene protein contents as compared to control. This study concluded that higher growth and yield of sunflower can be achieved by application of Zn at 20 kg ha-1 and B at 3 kg ha-1 under Faisalabad conditions.

Effect of zinc application on yield, nutrients uptake and biochemical properties of rice under Inceptisols

A field experiment was conducted in a randomized block design at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Karjat during kharif 2016-2019 to study the effect of zinc on soil fertility, yield, nutrients uptake and biochemical properties of rice under Inceptisols. Results revealed that the grain (50.65 q ha-1) and straw (56.74 q ha-1) yield of rice was significantly improved with application of zinc in the form of zinc sulphate @ 15 kg ha-1 at the time of transplanting through soil application (T7) which was better than foliar spray and root dipping methods. Significantly highest values of DTPA-extractable Zn (0.45 mg kg-1) and SO4-S (32.40 kg ha-1) were registered in the treatment T8. The zinc supplied plots led to significant enhancement in total N (93.38 kg ha-1), P (15.55 kg ha-1), K (96.80 kg ha-1) and S (35.54 kg ha-1) uptake in the treatment T7 and Zn (183.40 g ha-1) in the treatment T8. The treatment T7 showed higher hulling (74.28%), milling (63.32%), gel consistency (81mm), alkali spreading value (4.0) as well as the head rice recovery (57.80%), protein (8.96%) and amylose (24.40%) content which was acceptable.Overall, Zn-fertilization assumes great significance in improving soil properties, productivity and quality of rice.

Micronutrients Foliar and Drench Application Mitigate Mango Sudden Decline Disorder and Impact Fruit Yield

Mango sudden death (MSD) or quick decline (QD) is the most destructive disease found in mango orchards of Pakistan and is characterized by collapse of the vascular system by Ceratocystis fimbriata and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Cultural practices, chemicals, and biological control are the most valuable tools for the management of MSD, but the role of micronutrient deficiencies has remained an area that is heavily ignored by the farming community. To study the impact of micronutrients, four mango orchards were selected at different locations where different combinations of micronutrients, i.e., Zinc (Zn), Boran (B), and Copper (Cu) in the form of Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4), Borax/Boric acid (H3BO3), and Copper Sulphate (CuSO4), were applied both foliar and in drench along with the recommended doses of Nitrogen: Phosphorous: Potassium (NPK), and Farmyard manure (FYM), respectively. The quantities of micronutrients were determined from the soil and leaves before and after application of the treatments. The impact of micronutrients was measured in terms of reduction in disease severity and increase in fruit yield. The results revealed that the application of all three micronutrients both in soil drench and in foliar form significantly decreased the disease severity at three locations and increased the yield in all four mango orchards. Application of ZnSO4 (0.8%), +H3BO3 (0.8%), +CuSO4 (0.5%) and as soil drench ZnSO4 (400 g) + Borax (200 g) + CuSO4 200 g plant−1 proved to be the best treatments, with an average of 12.88 and 14.03% reduction in disease severity and with an average yield of 128 and 119 kg, respectively. The application of micronutrients would be a promising solution in an integrated disease management program used to tackle MSD.

Cutting Preference of the Leaf-Heating ant atta sexdens by Seedlings of Eucalyptus urophlylla Submitted to Different Doses of Zinc

Leaf-cutting ants of the genus Atta, also known as leaf-cutting ants, are considered pests in forestry, in various agricultural crops, and also in pastures, causing great damage. Mineral elements are of great importance in increasing crop production and productivity and are involved in the defense mechanism and tolerance of plants to pest and disease attacks, when properly balanced in the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cutting preference of leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens for Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings submitted to different doses of zinc (Zn) cultivated in a dystrophic Cerrado Latosol. The doses of zinc provided were 0 (control) and 20 mg/dm³ plus 20 mg/L via foliar, in the form of zinc sulfate. The seedlings used were kept in a greenhouse for up to 80 days and then submitted to laboratory evaluation. The leaves of seedlings treated with different doses of zinc were offered in Petri dishes to three colonies of ants from artificial nests of A. sexdens in the laboratory with free choice between treatments. The percentage of leaf tissue cut and transported to the nests was evaluated for 20 minutes between different doses and colonies, and four sequential offers of leaves were made. Through the data obtained, it was observed that there was no preference for cutting the leaves of eucalyptus seedlings treated with different doses of zinc by the colonies of leaf-cutting ants Atta sexdens.

Role of Combination Treatment of Aspirin and Zinc in DMH-DSS-induced Colon Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Tumour Progression in Male BALB/c Mice.

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers which is linked with repeated cycles of inflammation and DNA repair deficits. Several preclinical and clinical data reported that aspirin has a chemo-preventive effect in colorectal cancer and is associated with dose-dependent side effects. Furthermore, it has been reported that zinc supplementation improves the quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy by alteration of colonic cancer cell gene expression. However, explication of the detailed molecular mechanisms involved in the combined administration of aspirin and zinc-mediated protection against colitis-associated colorectal cancer deserves further investigation. For the induction of colitis-associated colorectal cancer, male BALB/c mice were administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) 20mg/kg/bw thrice before the initiation of every DSS cycle (3%w/v in drinking water). One week after the initiation of DSS treatment, aspirin (40mg/kg; p.o.) and zinc in the form of zinc sulphate (3mg/kg; p.o.) were administered for 8weeks. Combination of aspirin and zinc as intervention significantly ameliorated DAI score, myeloperoxidase activity, histological score, apoptotic cells and protein expression of various inflammatory markers including nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκBp65), cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); proliferation markers such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) expression significantly decreased, and antioxidant enzymes nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), metallothionein, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased as evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.

Improving Heat Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by Dietary Zinc Supplementation

In this study, we investigated the effects of zinc threonine supplementation on growth, immunity-related genes, antioxidative stress, and resistance to heat stress (HS) in Nile tilapia. A total of 300 Nile tilapia ( 76.69 ± 0.11 g) were randomly allocated into five zinc treatments, with three replicates of 20 fish in each treatment. Based on the control group with zinc-free feeds, dietary zinc levels of 20 or 40 mg/kg diet were added in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and zinc threonine (Thr-Zn). After 45 days of feeding, part of the fish was exposed to HS. The highest performance of growth and feed intake was found in fish fed with zinc (ZnSO4 or Thr-Zn) at 40 mg/kg, which also significantly elevated the villus length and absorption area. Additionally, significantly higher values of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity but lower value of malondialdehyde both before and after the heat stress were documented in fish fed with zinc at 40 mg/kg in diets. After HS, dietary supplementation with zinc threonine significantly reduced the expression of HSP 70 in the liver but increased the expression of IL-10 and TNF-α. Our study demonstrated that zinc threonine supplementation at 40 mg/kg facilitated the coping of tilapia with HS by improving the growth, intestinal morphology, antioxidative resistance, and immune responses.

Exogenous Application of Zinc Sulphate at Heading Stage of Wheat Improves the Yield and Grain Zinc Biofortification

Wheat is the leading staple food in the world, particularly in developing countries, which lacks a mechanism of zinc absorption; when compared to pulses, more attention is consequently important to be given to the wheat crop. Micronutrient deficiencies and especially zinc deficiency influences one-third of the world population. In addition to this, it is also essential for the growth and development of plants and animals. A pot and field experiment was conducted to check the effect of foliar application of zinc sulphate on three different wheat varieties at the same time. Treatment consisted of three zinc levels (control, 4%, 6%) in the form of zinc sulphate (21% Zn) applications were applied on various wheat varieties (Zincol, Fakher-e-Bhakkar, Faisalabad-2008) at different growth stages (tillering, booting and heading). Different zinc levels showed different results on wheat varieties in both experiments. Results revealed that var. Fakher-e-Bhakkar was best at 6% zinc application for more plant height, the number of spikelets, spike length, 100-grain weight, biological and grain yield per plant as compared to other varieties and treatments. Antioxidants and nutritional quality (protein, gluten, starch and zinc contents) showed variable behavior both on wheat varieties and zinc application. It is concluded that Fakher-e-Bhakkar was found to be the most responsive cultivar at 6% zinc application for improvement in growth, yield-related traits and nutritional quality. So it is recommended for achieving maximum yield and yield components and grain zinc contents of wheat under agro-climatic conditions of Layyah, Punjab-Pakistan.

Effect of Different Zinc Sources and Concentrations on the Biomass Yield of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast.

Zinc incorporation and the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were investigated in a culture supplemented with three inorganic zinc salts, i.e. zinc sulphate, zinc chloride and zinc nitrate. The cultivation was performed on a yeast extract peptone dextrose (YEPD) broth medium. The growth of yeast was carried out at different concentrations of zinc, i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120mg 100ml-1. It was found that the addition of different zinc sources at 30mg 100ml-1 concentration produced higher biomass yield ranging 1.00-1.03g from 100ml-1 of cultivation medium, while higher zinc concentration in the medium caused significantly lower yields of yeast biomass. The amount of zinc in yeast cells was determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The highest amount of zinc in yeast cells was achieved when added in the form of zinc sulphate at a concentration of 120mg 100ml-1. The increment of intracellular zinc was up to 9889.67mgkg-1 of biomass.

The Effects of a Zinc-Methionine Supplementation in High Producing Dairy Cows

<span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a Zn-methionine complex in diet on milk yield, milk component yields, SCC, and milk Zn concentration of Holstein cows around peak lactation. After matching for parity and days in milk (DIM), 12 lactating Holstein cows (67 ± 2.5 DIM; 1385 ± 43 kg BW) were assigned to one of two dietary treatments: 1) control (<b style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">CTL</b>, n = 6), a TMR diet with 74 mg/kg added Zn in the form of zinc sulfate, n = 6) or 2) CTL supplemented with Zn-methionine complex (<b style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Zn-Met</b>, n =6) providing additional 20 mg of Zn/kg (512 mg/head/d). Dry matter intake (<b style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">DMI</b>) was lower by 0.8 kg/d for Zn-Met than CTL throughout the study (<i style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">P</i> =0.05). Milk yield of Zn-Met decreased compared to CTL (40 vs 42 kg/d, <i style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">P</i> = 0.01) during the first 35 d but had similar milk yield during the last 35 d of the study. Milk protein and fat percentages, and fat yield were not different between treatments. Milk protein yield was similar between treatments during the first 35 d but tended to increase for Zn-Met (1.41 vs. 1.33 kg/d, <i style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">P</i>= 0.10) during rest of the study. Cows receiving Zn-methionine complex tended to have lower SCC (126 vs 328 ×10<sup style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">3</sup> cells/mL, <i style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">P</i> = 0.07) and greater concentration of Zn (4.48 vs 4.06 ppm, <i style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">P</i> = 0.05) in milk throughout the study.&nbsp; Overall, the present Zn-methionine complex tended to improve milk protein yield and SCC more prominently as feeding progressed. However, it decreased DMI suggesting a negative impact on palatability of the diet.</span>

Zinc supplementation in chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in Sri Lanka: a pilot study. (ZisCKDu-P)

Introduction: It was hypothesized that the antioxidant properties of zinc retard the progression of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Methods: The pilot study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, single blinded, parallel group, single-center clinical trial with two arms (Z and P) and a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants in group Z (n=20) received 60 mg of elemental zinc daily, in the form of zinc sulfate, and group P (n=21) received a starch tablet per day. Clinical, hematological parameters and kidney function were measured at the baseline and following three months of the intervention. Results: A total of 86 CKDu patients were screened; only 35 males and 6 females were selected. Mean age and estimated glomerular filtration rate of the study population were 51.2±6.2 years and 38.9±8.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 respectively. At the end of three months there was non-significant increase in urine protein creatinine ratio (Z arm: 65±54 vs. 82± 86 mg/mmol; P=0.46, P arm: 72.4±113 vs. 120± 209 mg/mmol; P=0.36) and non-significant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (Z arm: 40.9±10.4 vs. 39.7±9.2 mL/min/1.73 m2; P=0.31, P arm: 37.1±6.8 vs. 36.4±10 mL/min/1.73m2; P=0.31) in both groups. Body mass index was significantly reduced (23±4 vs. 22.7± 3.9 kg/m2; P=0.01) and diastolic blood pressure was significantly increased (78±6 vs. 86±10 mmHg; P=0.001) in the placebo arm. Haemoglobin levelshowed a decline in the study group; 0.33±1 g/dl, while there was an increase in the placebo group, 0.34±0.7 g/dl, (P=0.02). There were no major side effects. Conclusions: The change of urine protein: creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate did not show a significant difference between the two groups. A future trial should test effectiveness of same dose of zinc for a similar duration of time in a larger sample. Extended follow-up of the study subjects for one year after the intervention would be useful to assess the long-term effects of zinc on kidney function and side effects.

Effectiveness of Zinc Supplementation on Lithium-Induced Alterations in Thyroid Functions.

Lithium is an integral drug used in the management of acute mania, unipolar and bipolar depression, and prophylaxis of bipolar disorders. Thyroid abnormalities have been associated with treatment with lithium. Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a role in several biological activities. Therefore, the present study was aimed at investigating the potential role of zinc in the thyroid gland following lithium administration to explore the role of zinc under such conditions. To achieve this goal, male Wistar rats (150-195g) were divided into four groups: Group 1 animals were fed standard pellet feed and tap water ad lib; Group 2 rats were fed lithium in the form of lithium carbonate through diet at a concentration of 1.1g/kg body weight; Group 3 animals received zinc treatment in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4·7H2O) at a dose level of 227mg/L mixed with drinking water of the animals; and Group 4 animals were given lithium and zinc in a similar manner as was given to the animals belonging to groups 2 and 4 respectively. The role of zinc on thyroid functions in lithium-treated rats was studied after 2, 4, and 8weeks of different treatments. Zinc has been observed to have the capability to nearly normalize the altered 2-h uptake of 131I, biological and effective half-lives of 131I, and circulating T4 levels that were altered after lithium treatment. The present study concludes that zinc may be an effective agent in normalizing the adverse effects caused by lithium on thyroid functions.

Phosphorus-induced zinc deficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) on a calcareous chernozem soil

Abstract A long-term fertilizer experiment was set up on a calcareous chernozem soil with a wheat-maize-maize-wheat crop rotation, as part of the National Long-Term Fertilization Experiments (NLTFE) Network, set up with the same experimental pattern under different soil and agro-climatic conditions in Hungary. The effect of P fertilization on the soil, on maize yields, and on leaf P and Zn contents in the flowering stage were examined in the trials. In certain years, foliar zinc fertilizer was applied, in order to prove that yield losses due to P-induced Zn deficiency can be compensated by Zn application. Calcium-ammonium nitrate, superphosphate and 60% potassium chloride were used as NPK, and Zn-hexamine (in 1991) and Zn-sulphate (in 2006) as foliar Zn fertilizers. In the years since 1970, averaged over 36 maize harvests, treatments N3P1K1 and N4P1K1, involving annual rates of 150 to 200 kg ha−1 N, 100 kg ha−1 K2O and 50 kg ha−1 P2O5, gave the highest yields (8.3 t ha−1 grain on average). As the years progressed, treatments exceeding 50 kg ha−1 P2O5 a year were found to have an increasingly unfavourable effect. Based on the yields of ten cycles (36 maize years), variants P2, P3 and P4 resulted in 16–30–45 t ha−1 grain yield losses in comparison to variant P1. Investigations carried out in 1987, 1991 and 2006 showed that the leaf Zn content on plots with more than 150 to 200 mg kg−1 AL (ammonium lactate)-soluble P2O5 (over 30 mg kg−1 Olsen-P) dropped below 15 mg kg−1 and the P/Zn ratio rose to above 150 or even 250 in the flowering stage in two years. As a consequence of P-induced Zn deficiency, maize grain yields fell by 2 t ha−1 in two of the years investigated and by almost 5 t ha−1 in one year at the P4 level (200 kg ha−1 P2O5 year−1), in comparison to the P1 variant (50 kg ha−1 P2O5 year−1). When 1.2 kg ha−1 foliar Zn was applied in the form of zinc hexamine, 1.7 to 1.8 t ha−1 maize grain yield surpluses were obtained on plots with higher P levels in 1991. In 2006 the P-induced Zn deficiency caused unexpectedly high (almost 5 t ha−1) grain yield losses on plots with higher P levels, so the maize grain yield surpluses obtained in response to 1.2 kg ha−1 foliar Zn application, in the form of zinc sulphate, were as high as 1.6 to 3.8 t ha−1. The data clearly indicate that maize yields are impeded by both poor and excessive P status. Soil and plant analysis may be useful tools for monitoring the nutritional status of plants.

Foliar Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Sulfate Boosts the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Habanero Peppers.

The physiological responses of habanero pepper plants (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) to foliar applications of zinc sulphate and zinc nano-fertilizer were evaluated in greenhouse trials. The effect of the supplement on fruit quality of habanero pepper was particularly observed. Habanero pepper plants were grown to maturity, and during the main stages of phenological development, they were treated with foliar applications of Zn at concentrations of 1000 and 2000 mg L−1 in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Additional Zn was not supplied to the control treatment plants. ZnO NPs at a concentration of 1000 mg L−1 positively affected plant height, stem diameter, and chlorophyll content, and increased fruit yield and biomass accumulation compared to control and ZnSO4 treatments. ZnO NPs at 2000 mg L−1 negatively affected plant growth but significantly increased fruit quality, capsaicin content by 19.3%, dihydrocapsaicin by 10.9%, and Scoville Heat Units by 16.4%. In addition, at 2000 ZnO NPs mg L−1 also increased content of total phenols and total flavonoids (soluble + bound) in fruits (14.50% and 26.9%, respectively), which resulted in higher antioxidant capacity in ABTS (2,2′azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) (15.4%, 31.8%, and 20.5%, respectively). These results indicate that application of ZnO NPs could be employed in habanero pepper production to improve yield, quality, and nutraceutical properties of fruits.

Efficiency of forms and terms of zinc application in the winter wheat fields

To improve the technology of winter wheat cultivation it becomes more relevant to discuss the issue of enhancing crop microelement nutrition, which is very important when mineral fertilizers are applied at a higher rate than the one accepted in the zone. Chornozem (black) soils in general, and southern ones in particular, have a neutral or slight alkaline response, i.e. most of the microelements are slow movable and in fact are not available for the plants. The efficiency of the microelement application uppermost affected by the form they are in. Recent experiments prove that the most efficient form of microelement transportation to the plants is complex compounds of metals with organic ligands – chelates. The most common chelators are organic acids with carboxyl groups: ethylendiamintetraacetic (EDTA), diethylentryaminpentaacetic (DTPA), dihydroxybutylendiamintetraacetic (DBTA), ethylendiamindisuccinic (EDDA); phosphonic acids – oxyethylendendiphosphonic (OEDF) and nitryltrymethylenphosphonic (NTF). The research aims to study the effect of forms and ways of zinc application on the yield formation and grain quality of soft winter wheat on the southern chornozems (black soils). The experiments were carried out on southern chornozems, low-humus heavy loamy well-cultivated. The size of a sown plot is 120 m2, that of a record one is 50 m2, replication is fourfold. Fertilizers were applied in a form of ammonium nitrate, granulated superphosphate and potassium salt, and also superphosphate with zinc complexonate (0.75 %). Vegetative winter wheat fields were treated with the solutions of zinc salts with help of a manual sprayer. An experiment scheme was given when the results were presented. Black fallow was the predecessor of winter wheat, cv. Knopa. The efficiency of microelement was studied when it was applied in the form of zinc sulfate, chelate form, where oxyethylendendiphosphonic (OEDF) oxyethylendendiphosphonic (OEDF), superphosphate with zinc chelate on OEDF basis were used as ligand (0.75 %) Monitoring and analyzing were done according to the conventional methods in compliance with a standard technique. Statistical processing of the received results was done using a package of applied software Excel and Statistika, the methods of dispersive, correlative and regressive analyses. When N90P60K40, which contained superphosphate modified with zinc complexonate based on OEDF, was applied, the yield increase was 20.2 % as compared with the variant without fertilizers, including 6.4 % – due to zinc. It is advisable to apply zinc in the form of its complexonate with OEDF, the yield increase is 0.15 cwt/ha, as compared with zinc sulfate, and a share of the effect of this factor is 14.0 %. The application of zinc complexonate under pre-sowing cultivation at a rate of 2.0 kg/ha had no benefit over one-time treatment of the plants at the phase of tillering at a rate 250 g/ha, but doing this treatment at a phase of shooting resulted in a serious yield increase (0.20 t/ha at SSD 0.95 = 0.18). Foliar application with the solution of zinc complexonate (250 g/ha) increases the grain yield of winter wheat with the highest effect from a two-time treatment at tillering and shooting phases; the increase ranges from 0.20 to 0.54 t/ha. The efficiency of Zn application by 75.7-96.0% in arid conditions of the south of Ukraine is defined by hydrothermal conditions of spring vegetation, and a microelement helps winter wheat plants develop resistance to a temperature stress. A grain zinc concentration in the experimental variants ranged from 18.4 to 22.1 mg/kg (in the control it was 14.5 mg/kg). Key words: zinc, winter wheat, vegetation phases, quality, southern chornozem.

Dietary zinc requirement of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii, Brandt 1869) juveniles, based on the growth performance and blood parameters

This study investigated the effect of dietary Zn levels on growth performance, feed utilization, and hematological parameters of juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii, Brandt 1869). The five semi-purified diets were formulated by adding 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg Zn kg−1 diet in the form of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) to provide the actual dietary value of 14.7, 20.8, 27.3, 37.7, and 46.4 Zn kg−1 diet, respectively. The results showed that dietary Zn elevating level significantly improved the growth and feed utilization of the fish (p < 0.05), but not the hepatosomatic index (p > 0.05). Erythrocyte number, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit were increased with raising dietary Zn level (p < 0.05), whereas a regular trend was not observed in blood indices, including MCV, MCH, and MCHC. A significant increase was also found in the leucocyte number followed by their differential counts, except for eosinophil percentage. The broken line regression model indicated optimal dietary Zn level for growth maximization of fish was estimated to be 29.15 mg Zn kg−1 diet. In spite of well correlation with dietary Zn level, no break point was observed to estimate the juvenile Siberian sturgeon requirement based on the erythrocyte numbers.

Effectiveness of soil and foliar applications of zinc and boron on the yield of tomato

Field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years to study the effectiveness of soil and foliar application of micronutrients on the yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Gazipur. The micronutrients zinc (Zn) in the form of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4.7H2O) at the rate of 0.05 % and boron (B) in the form of boric acid (H3BO3) at the rate of 0.03% were applied as foliar spray at three different stages of plant growth i.e (i) before flower initiation; (ii) after fruit set when it becomes approximately marble sized; and (iii) at 20 days interval of second spray. The tomato yield and its contributing yield traits were significantly affected by foliar fertilizer treatments as against soil application of B and Zn fertilizers. Among various treatments, foliar application of Zn (0.05 %) + B (0.03%) produced maximum fruit yield (85.5 and 81.7 t ha-1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively) while the control no application of Zn (0.0) and B (0.0) produced 66.8 and 60.7 t ha-1 in 2013 and 2014, respectively and it was statistically identical with soil application of B and Zn @ 2 and 6 kg ha-1 (T5), respectively. The increment of yield was 19.2 to 31.1% and 7.57 to 18.3%, respectively, over control and soil application. The integrated use of foliar application of micronutrients and soil application of macronutrients are recommended to enhance tomato yield.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(3): 411-418, September 2016

Effects of feed supplementation with various zinc sources on mineral concentration and selected antioxidant indices in tissues and plasma of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of organic dietary zinc (Zn) sources and zinc sulphate on mineral deposition, activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and copper/zinc SOD in tissues of broiler chickens. The performance indicators and lipid peroxidation by measuring the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in tissues and plasma were also evaluated. Broilers were assigned to 4 treatment groups, each replicated × 6, with 9 birds per replicate. The control group was fed conventional basal diet (BD); the three other groups received identical BD supplemented with 120 mg Zn/kg in the form of zinc sulphate, zinc chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn-Gly), and zinc proteinate (Zn-Pro), respectively. After 5 weeks of dietary treatment, feed supplementation with Zn sulphate resulted in significantly higher average daily weight gain and final body weight, as well as improved feed conversion ratio compared to the Zn-Gly group. Intake of Zn-Pro significantly increased SOD activity (P &lt; 0.05) in erythrocytes and lipid peroxidation (P &lt; 0.01) in plasma. Activities of total SOD and Cu/Zn SOD in liver and kidney were not affected by Zn supplementation. Addition of Zn supplements to broiler diets did not influence concentrations of zinc, manganese and copper in plasma, liver, kidney or breast muscle, with the exception of Zn deposition in the liver being significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the Zn-Pro supplemented group. Results of our study show that organic zinc sources have effects comparable to inorganic zinc sulphate in broilers fed diets containing a higher Zn content.

Effect of Zinc Application on Cadmium Uptake of Maize Grown in Alkaline Soil

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of zinc (Zn) application on cadmium (Cd) uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in alkaline soil. Four doses of cadmium (Cd; 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 ppm) in the form of cadmium chloride and four doses of Zn (0, 10, 20, and 40 ppm) in the form of zinc sulfate were applied to the soils. Plants were harvested at the 45th day of their developments. The Cd amounts in shoots and roots were analyzed separately. Significant differences between Cd amounts in shoots and roots are obtained with the application of different Zn doses (P < 0.01). In all Cd levels, Zn application increases Cd in both shoots and roots relative to Cd contents of plants grown in the pots that not applied Zn. It is also found that Cd content of the roots is greater than that of shoots.