DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the effect of different doses of zinc and iron foliar treatments on the growth and yield of chickpeas.

Methodology

The study employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments for zinc (control, basal dose of 33% ZnSO4@25kg/ha, basal dose of 33% ZnSO4 @50kg/ha, foliar application of Zn @1% solution, foliar application of Zn @ 2% solution) and five for iron (control, basal dose of FeSO4 @25kg/ha, basal dose of FeSO4 @50kg/ha, foliar application of Fe @1% solution, foliar application of Fe @ 2% solution). Experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2022 and 2023). Growth parameters (plant height, number of branches, pods per plant) and yield parameters (grains per pod, 100-grain weight, biological yield, grain yield) were measured. Data was analyzed using Fisher's analysis of variance and LSD at a 5% probability level.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A[Experimental Design: RCBD] --> B[Treatment Application: Zn & Fe doses];
    B --> C[Conduct Experiments over 2 Seasons];
    C --> D[Measure Growth Parameters];
    D --> E[Measure Yield Parameters];
    E --> F[Data Analysis: ANOVA & LSD];
    F --> G[Draw Conclusions];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that micronutrients, specifically zinc and iron, are crucial for chickpea production. The increased availability of these nutrients likely enhanced metabolic and enzymatic activities, leading to improved plant growth and yield. Zinc application appears to influence auxin synthesis, promoting plant growth. Iron's role in chlorophyll synthesis and electron transport is also highlighted. The findings support the hypothesis that higher doses of Fe and Zn improve chickpea growth and yield.

Key Findings

Foliar application of 2% zinc significantly increased plant height, number of branches, pods per plant, grains per pod, 100-grain weight, biological yield, and grain yield compared to control and other treatments. Foliar application of 1% iron also significantly increased plant height, number of branches, pods per plant, and grain yield.

Conclusion

Micronutrients are essential for maximizing chickpea production. Foliar application of 2% zinc and 1% iron is recommended for achieving optimal chickpea yield.

Fact Check

* The study was conducted during the growing seasons of 2022 and 2023.
* Foliar application of 2% zinc resulted in a grain yield of 1466.1-1475.5 kg per ha.
* Foliar application of 1% iron resulted in a grain yield of 933.56-1011.56 kg per ha.

Mind Map