Foliar Spray Of Zn Research Articles

Agronomic biofortification of wheat grains with zinc through different modes of zinc fertilization

Thirty field experiments were conducted during rabi seasons of 2014–15 and 201516 across farmers’ fields of four villages of district Faridabad, Haryana, India using wheat as test crop to evaluate the effects of soil and foliar mode of application of zinc fertilizer on grain yield and Zn concentration. The application of Zn fertilizer in soil increased grain yield of wheat significantly over control at few locations during both the years where low Zn soils existed i. e. from 3.9 to 12.6% and 3.3 to 10.5% during 2014–15 and 2015–16, respectively, over no soil Zn addition. However, foliar treatment of Zn fertilizer on grain yield was quiet less effective. The foliar Zn application resulted in significant increases in grain Zn content over control at all locations. Maximum increase in grain Zn concentration with foliar spray of Zn was 125.73 and 122.82% higher during 2014–15 and 2015–16, respectively, over control. It was found that foliar application of Zn is an important agronomic practice for the farmers to enrich wheat grains with zinc. Increasing grain yield by soil application and grain Zn concentration by foliar application of zinc fertilizer also provides additional positive impacts in terms of economic benefits and to secure nutritional quality and mitigate hidden hunger.

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Vicia Faba Plants to Foliar Application of Zinc and Iron

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are essential nutrients for plant growth and development. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the role of Zn and Fe on vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars, soluble protein, nitrate reductase (NR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), minerals content, amino acid composition fraction, isozymes, and protein electrophoresis in faba bean plants foliar sprayed with FeSO4 and ZnSO4. The results revealed that foliar spray with 1 or 3 g/L of FeSO4 and ZnSO4 significantly increased all the abovementioned parameters compared to control plants. The activity of esterase increased with increasing concentration of Fe and Zn as compared to control plants. The most pronounced increase was found in plants treated with 3 g/L ZnSO4. Three bands of peroxidase isozyme were exhibited with different densities and intensities in all treatments. Three types of modification were observed in the protein patterns of faba bean leaves. Some protein bands disappeared, while other increased and synthesis of a new set of proteins was induced. It could be concluded that foliar spray with the two concentrations (1 or 3 g/L) of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 helped faba bean plants to overcome the deficiency in these minerals by producing antioxidant enzymes. Improved faba bean growth through adequate Fe and Zn foliar spray is likely a promising strategy to improve Vicia faba plants.

Timing of foliar Zn application plays a vital role in minimizing Cd accumulation in wheat.

Due to chemical and biochemical similarities between cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn), application of Zn may minimize Cd uptake by plants and ameliorate its toxicity. However, there is poor understanding of the comparative effectiveness of the foliar Zn application at different growth stages on Cd toxicity and accumulation in wheat. The present study was carried out to compare the effectiveness of foliarly applied Zn at different stages of plant growth to minimize Cd accumulation in wheat grains. Wheat (cv AARI-2011) was grown at three levels of soil Cd (0, 2.5, and 5.0mgkg(-1)). Foliar application of Zn was carried out at either tillering, jointing, booting, heading, or grain filling stage using 0.05% w/v aqueous solution of ZnSO4 · 7H2O. Increasing soil Cd had a negative effect on growth and yield attributes, including tiller production, root length and dry weight, plant height, 100-grain weight and grain and straw yield. Zinc foliar spray increased grain yield by increasing tiller production; importantly, an application at booting was more effective than at other stages. Foliarly applied Zn decreased Cd concentration in the roots, straw, and grain. Similar to grain yield, the largest decrease (74%) in Cd concentration was associated with Zn foliar spray at booting. Grain yield was negatively related to grain Cd concentration which in turn showed a negative relationship with Zn concentration in leaves and grains. It is concluded that the booting stage is the suitable time for foliar application of Zn to (i) effectively minimize a Cd-induced loss in grain yield and (ii) decrease grain Cd concentration.

MUTUAL EFFECT AMONG COMPOST AND FOLIAR SPRAYING WITH ZINC AND BORON ON SUGAR BEET (Beta vulgaris l.) GROWN ON SALINE SANDY LOAM SOIL

Two field experiments were conducted at the village (7) in Gelbana, North Sinai Governorate, Egypt during two successive winter seasons of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 to study the response of sugar beet (Mirodor) grown on saline sandy loam soil to study the interaction effect of compost, (CO) amendment and foliar spraying with micronutrients (Zn and B) solely or in combinations on some growth parameters, productivity and nutrients content in sugar beet roots. The obtained results reveal that CO and foliar application with Zn and B enhanced the growth and yield productivity of sugar beet roots as well as nutrient contents. Available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and B contents were increased due to the above mentioned treatments. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity (EC dSm-1) and soil pH values decreased due to these treatments. Foliar spray with micronutrients in combination with CO substantially elevated these parameters N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and B contents in roots were significantly increased by application of the treatments. The highest response of productivity and nutrients content in root were achieved by application of CO in combination with foliar spray of Zn + B followed by foliar spray of Zn + B in both seasons . Highest values of yield, yield components, nutrient contents and sucrose percent as well as sugar yield were obtained due to the application of compost at rate of 5 Mg fed.-1 + foliar spray with Zn + B in both seasons.

Effects of soil zinc availability, nitrogen fertilizer rate and zinc fertilizer application method on zinc biofortification of rice

SUMMARYRice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and a potentially important source of zinc (Zn) in the diet. The improvement of Zn content of rice is a global challenge with implications for both rice production and human health. The objective of the present study was to identify the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates and Zn application methods on Zn content of rice by evaluating rice production on native soils with different Zn availabilities in 2010/11. The results indicated that Zn application increased rice grain yield and Zn content in grains compared with the control; however, this effect was also affected by the native soil Zn availability, N fertilizer rate and Zn fertilizer application method. The native soil Zn status was the dominant factor influencing grain yield and grain Zn content in response to Zn fertilizer application. Grain Zn content ranged from 19·74 to 26·93 mg/kg under the different Zn statuses. The results also indicated that Zn application method has a significant influence on grain yield. Application of Zn fertilizer to the soil was more effective than the foliar spray on rice grain yield; however, the foliar spray resulted in a greater increase in grain Zn content when compared with soil application. Grain Zn content was affected by application method and displayed the following general trend: soil application + foliar spray > foliar spray > soil application. The experiments investigating the effect of N fertilizer rate combined with Zn application method showed a clear increase in both grain yield and Zn content as the N fertilizer level increased from 200 to 300 kg/ha. In addition, the results also indicated that N content and accumulation increased in all plant tissues, which suggests that Zn application might influence the uptake and translocation of N in rice plants. These results suggest that soil application in addition to a foliar spray of Zn should be considered as an important strategy to increase grain yield and grain Zn content of rice grown in soils with low background levels of Zn-associated diethylene triamine pentaacetate acid. Moreover, this process could be further strengthened by a high N application rate. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the potential of optimizing nutrient management using Zn fertilizer to obtain higher grain yields and higher grain Zn content in fields with low native Zn status.

Corn Silage (Zea mays L.) Response to Zinc Foliar Spray Concentration When Grown on Sandy Soil

The objective of this study is to identify an adequate zinc (Zn) foliar spray concentration which corrects Zn deficiency without disrupting other plant mineral contents, enhances plant growth, and thereby corn silage yield when grown on sandy soil. A field experiment was conducted using five Zn foliar spray concentrations (w/v): 0.03%, 0.07%, 0.10%, 0.14% and 0.18%. Zn sulfate (ZnSO 4 . 7H 2 O) was used as a source of Zn. Zn foliar application was realized at two growth stages (6-7 and 9-10 leaf stages). A treatment without Zn foliar spray was maintained as control. The results showed a quadratic response of corn silage towards Zn foliar spray concentrations, in which 0.09% was the optimum value for overcoming Zn deficiency. Such level increased shoot Zn concentration at harvest from 15 mg kg -1 to 21.8 mg kg -1 , didn’t decrease plant mineral content below critical levels, enhanced plant growth and raised silage yield by 49.4% compared to control. On the other hand, Zn foliar spray concentration up to 0.10% induced visible leaf damage, growth inhibition and a decrease of 26% in silage yield compared to Zn foliar applications at 0.09%.

MODULATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL METABOLITES IN SALT STRESSED RICE BY FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) application on five rice cultivars grown under salt stress conditions. Two salinity levels of 0 and 10 dS m−1 were created with sodium chloride (NaCl) and foliar spray of Zn (0.05%; Chelated-Zn) was applied. A decrease in growth and yield related parameters were observed under salt stress, which was ameliorated in plants that received Zn foliar spray. Similar effects of salinity and Zn foliar spray were noted on photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, and water relations of plants. Salt induced increase in sodium (Na) content and decrease in other macro- and micronutrients contents were also reversed by Zn. Other salt tolerance indicating parameters likSe total free amino acids and total soluble sugars increased under Zn spray, clearing its role in improving salt tolerance.

MODULATION IN YIELD AND JUICE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF CITRUS FRUIT FROM TREES SUPPLIED WITH ZINC AND POTASSIUM FOLIARLY

Citrus, especially K innow (Citrus deliciosa × Citrus nobilis), fruit yield and quality in Pakistan is not competitive with that of other countries which could be mainly attributed to the lack of good nutrient management for citrus orchards. The yield losses in this fruit crop occur mainly due to heavy fruit dropping. Experiments to overcome these problems were conducted at four different sites one each in Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang and Sargodha districts of Punjab, Pakistan. The soil and leaf chemical analysis showed severe deficiency of Zn and our pervious results have shown that soil amendment with potassium (K) at 75 K2O kg ha−1 improved the citrus fruit yield and quality at all selected sites. In the present experiments, effect of foliar application of Zn and K alone or in combination was studied on nutrient uptake, fruit yield, fruit dropping and juice quality. The fruit trees were pretreated with a selected K level of sulfate of potash (SOP) or muriate of potash (MOP), i.e., 75 kg K2O ha−1 along with recommended nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) doses. Zinc [Zn, 1% zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution], K [1% potassium sulfate (K2SO4) solution] and Zn + K (solution containing 0.5% each of ZnSO4 and K2SO4) were sprayed at the onset of spring and flush of leaves or flowers, fruit formation and at color initiation on fruit. Overall, application of Zn, K or Zn + K was effective in improving the nutrient uptake, yield and quality parameters of citrus fruit at all sites. Fruit dropping was also reduced by the foliar spray of Zn, K or Zn + K but the most promising results were recorded with foliar spray containing both Zn and K.

EFFECT OF SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF IRON AND ZINC ON QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE YIELD OF POMEGRANATE

This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of soil and foliar application of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) fertilizer on pomegranate (Punica granatum L cv. ‘Ghojagh’) in a calcareous soil. A two year trial (2002–2004) was conducted in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments in triplicates. Foliar spray and broadcast application of Fe and Zn had no effect on the fruit yield in the first year but increased it in the second year. In both years, localized placement of Fe- ethylenediamine-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (EDDHA) + zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O) + sulfur (S) along with foliar application of iron sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O) + ZnSO4.7H2O at a rate of 2 g L−1, increased significantly the fruit weight and diameter, Brixindex and 100-seed weight although these increases were more apparent in the second year. In general, soil application of FeEDDHA + ZnSO4.7H2O, particularly as localized placement, is an effective approach to increase fruit yield and quality of pomegranate in calcareous soils.

IMPROVING SEED YIELD OF BLACK GRAM (VIGNA MUNGO L. VAR. DPU-88-31) THROUGH FOLIAR FERTILIZATION OF ZINC DURING THE REPRODUCTIVE PHASE

The response of zinc (Zn) deficiency on reproductive yield and recovery through foliar application of Zn was determined in black gram, an important edible legume in India. Results revealed that foliar spray of Zn [0.01 and 0.5% zinc sulfate (ZnSO4)] improved not only the flowering, pollen producing capacity, pollen viability, stigma-receptivity and pollen-stigma interaction but also the yield parameters like number, size and weight of pods and seeds. Zinc deficiency induced changes in pollen grain structure, activity of esterase and poor stigmatic exudation leading to improper pollen-stigma interaction, which seem to be the main cause of poor fertility and decreased seed yield. Foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 after bud formation was most beneficial not only for reproductive yield but also seed Zn content.

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION METHODS AND RATES OF ZINC AND BORON ON NITROGEN, PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM CONTENTS OF MAIZE LEAF

Plant analysis can be a useful tool in determining the general nutritional status of crops during the growing season. For this reason, a field experiment was conducted in the Fars province of Iran during 2008 season to evaluate the concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in maize leaf as affected by zinc sulfate and boric acid. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with two factors and three replications. Factor one included four levels of B (0, 3 and 6 kg ha−1 B added to the soil and B foliar spray with a 0.3% concentration); factor two consisted of five levels of zinc (Zn) (0, 8, 16 and 24 kg ha−1 Zn added to the soil and Zn foliar spray with a 0.5% concentration). The results of this work showed that the main effect of Zn and B levels and interaction of Zn–B on the leaf N and P concentrations was insignificant. A synergism was seen between Zn and K and also between B and K. The presence of a high amount of Zn or B in the soil prevented from increase of leaf K content, by B or Zn application, respectively.

Manganese, iron and copper contents in leaves of maize plants (Zea mays L.) grown with different boron and zinc micronutrients

Badded to the soil and B foliar spray at 0.3 weight percent of boric acid) fertilizers on Fe, Mn and Cu concentrations in the maize leaf. The results indicate that the use of B and Zn, by spraying, increased leaf Fe content. The presence of a high amount of B in the soil, and also Zn foliar spray, assisted the increase of Fe concentration in the leaf. In fact, there were synergisms between Zn and Fe as well as B and Fe. Reduction in the leaf concentration of Mn by B application may be due to the dilution effect or the antagonistic relationship between B and Mn. The presence of a high amount of B in the soil and the spraying of B prevented the increase of the leaf Mn content, by Zn application. An antagonism was seen between Zn and Mn, in that a high amount of Zn in the soil resulted in the decrease of the leaf Mn content.

Zinc Fertilization Methods on Zinc Absorption and Translocation in Wheat

To increase grain Zn concentration of wheat grown on calcareous soil, field and hydroponic culture experimentswere conducted to investigate the effects of various Zn fertilization methods on Zn absorption and translocationin wheat. A completely randomized block design was used in the field experiment comprising five Zn treatments(0, 7.5, 15, 30, and 45 kg Zn/ha as ZnSO4·7H2O) and wheat cultivar (Zhengmai 9023). The hydroponic experiment used a completely randomized block design with two factors (Zn supplementation to root and foliarspray of Zn). Results showed that in the field experiment, Zn fertilization significantly increased the amount ofsoil diethylene triamine penlaacetic acid-Zn (DTPA-Zn), whereas there was no significant effect on Znconcentration in grain. Furthermore, the utilization rate of Zn fertilizer was only 0.98%, 0.64%, 0.29%, and0.14% with treatments of 7.5, 15, 30, and 45 mg Zn ha-1, respectively. In contrast, the hydroponic experimentshowed that both foliar spray and Zn supplied to roots significantly increased Zn concentration in grain, with thegreatest concentration found in shoots. Results suggested that lower absorption and translocation were theinhibitory factors to increase grain Zn concentration in calcareous soil. Consequently, Zn fertilization topotentially Zn-deficient calcareous soils is not effective method to increase grain Zn concentration.

Effect of Foliar Application of Micronutrients on the Yield and Quality of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L.)

An experiment was designed to study the effect of foliar application of micronutrients on the yield, quality and leaf composition of sweet orange, Blood red variety at Shabazgari, Mardan. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design in 2) factorial arrangement. Zinc, manganese and boron were applied as foliar spray at the rate of 0.4, 0.2 and 0.04 kg ha(-1), respectively in the presence of 1.56 kg N ha(-1) as urea and 0.4 kg surfactance ha(-1) (as wetting agent) in 400 L of water. The maximum fruit yield was obtained, when 0.4 kg Zn ha(-1) and 0.2 kg Mn ha(-1) was sprayed along with 1.56 kg N ha(-1) and 0.4 kg surfactance ha(-1) in 400 L of water. The minimum % peel was obtained with B alone and minimum % rag with Zn + Mn, maximum fruit size with Zn + B and maximum fruit volume with Zn + Mn. Similarly, % juice in sweet oranges was increased significantly by B alone, reducing sugar by Mn alone and vitamin C contents by Zn + B through foliar spray, suggested that each micronutrient had different role on the quality of citrus fruit. Foliar spray of Zn, Mn and B along with urea significantly increased the concentration of Zn and Mn in citrus leaves, while the concentration of B was not affected with foliar spray, perhaps due to dilution within the citrus tissues. Therefore, it is suggested that either Zn+Mn or Zn+B may be applied as foliar spray in combination with urea and surfactance for getting the maximum yield and improved quality of citrus fruit under prevailing conditions.

Effect of Zn enriched organic manures and zinc solubilizer application on the yield, curcumin content and nutrient status of soil under turmeric cultivation

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of Zn enriched organic manures and Zn solubilizers on the yield, curcumin content of turmeric and nutrient status of the soil. The treatment with FYM + zinc solubilizing bacteria showed higher turmeric rhizome yield increase of 21.6 per cent than the FYM alone treatment (9.1 per cent) than no manure (control). The dry rhizome yield, reflected the promising effect of Zn and Fe enriched coirpith or FYM, and Zn enriched coirpith or FYM at M 1 (no manure) while at M 2 (NPK + FYM) and M 3 (NPK + FYM + Zn solubilizing bacteria), the foliar spray of Zn + Fe + MOP excelled the remaining treatments. Incorporation of farmyard manure at 12.5 t ha -1 along with Zn solubilizing bacteria stood superior by registering highest values for available of N, P and K content in the soil. The Zn solubilizing organism (Bacillus sp.) identified interestingly proved to have favorable effect on the availability of N, P and K. The effect of micronutrient treatments comprising of soil application of per se ZnSO 4 , FeSO 4 and fortified FYM with Zn and Fe and foliar spray of these two nutrients resulted in synergistic effect on the enhanced availability of not only micronutrients but also K. The DTPA - Zn content of the soil though evidenced significant variation for the different treatments of FYM, FYM + ZSB (Zn solubilising bacteria) and micronutrients on an overall basis did not exceed the deficiency level. Addition of Fe with Zn either as such or fortified with FYM / with coirpith showed synergistic effect on Zn availability in the soil. The available B content of the soil showed an upheaval trend for manuring and Zn and Fe applications. During different stages of crop growth and at harvest stage, DTPA – Fe content in none of the treatments exceeded the threshold level. However, enhancement for treatments with organic manures and micronutrients were statistically perceptible. The availability of Cu and Mn in the soil, brought out the positive effect of Zn and Fe added as such or as fortified either alone or along with FYM and FYM + ZSB. Both content as well as uptake of all the major nutrients in the turmeric plant right from the early phase of crop growth to harvest were positively altered by FYM, FYM + ZSB and soil and foliar application of Zn and Fe.

COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF SOIL AND FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZnSO4 AND FeSO4 ON SUGARCANE

Find experiments were conducted at seven locations in the Nellikuppam sugar factory area where Zn and Fe deficiencies are noticed, to stucy the comparative etti- cacy of soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 for sugarcane. The treatments consisted application of ZnSO4 (0. 18.75 and 37.5 kg/ha): FeSO4 (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha): foliar application of l_{0} deg ZnSO4 2% FeSO4 and 2 * o/n urea on 90th, 110th and 130th days. Sugarcane varieties COC 8001, COC 671, COC 8201 and CO 6304 were tested. The cane yield was significantly increased at three locations viz. P. V. Natham, P. N. Palayam and Ramhakkam with the application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 in COC 8001-at two locations and another in COC 671 varieties. The cane yield increase ranged from 3.28 to 8.46 tha between NPK control and other treatments, Consideration of the mean yield values for different treatments for three locations indicated higher response for the application of 18.75 kg ZnSO4 + 50 kg Fe mathfrak S*O_{4} / h_{0} + 1% Zns * 0 +29/ FeSO, + 20% urea (foliar sprays given on 90th, 110th and 130th days). But this was on par with the other treatments including the 2 * 0/n urea foliar spray. The mean Pol percen- tage (Sucrose content) was increased significantly in five locations in all the varieties tried. Althouh cane yield was significantly increased for the urea 2 * 0/n spray, tune of increase in Pol was markedly higher only for the Zn and Fe treatments. Foliar spray of Zn and Fe had greater effect than the soil application.