DefinePK

Abstract

This experiment was conducted at Latif Agriculture Farm, Tandojam, District Hyderabad during Rabi season 2020-2021 to assess the effects of zinc applied in the form of foliar on wheat yield and growth characteristics, employing a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Zinc was sprayed in various concentrations (0, 0.10%, 0.30%, and 0.50%) on leaves at different growth stages. Results revealed that the foliar zinc application along with NPK recommended doses significantly raised the plant height (73.46 and 85.63) at 90 days and harvest time on T4 relative to the control (59.32 and 73.24), respectively. The number of grains per spike showed a consistent rise with increasing zinc application, with T4 and T3 displaying significantly higher grain numbers (26.89) than the control. The thousand grain weight significantly increased and the highest was observed at T4 compared to the control and other treatments. Moreover, grain yield significantly increased in T4, recording the highest yield compared to the control and other treatments. Zinc concentration in grains displayed a significant rise with increasing zinc application, notably higher in T4 than other treatments. Zinc application also increased zinc content in wheat straw, with T4 exhibiting the highest (29.55 µg g-1) zinc content compared to the control and other treatments. Overall, the findings demonstrate the positive impact of foliar application of zinc on various growth stages of wheat, emphasizing its potential in enhancing grain yield and quality. This study advocates for the implementation of foliar application of zinc strategies to fortify wheat crops, thus contributing to agricultural practices aimed at increasing productivity and nutrient enrichment.
Keywords: Zn fortification, foliar spray, zinc content, wheat genotype.