The effect of foliar application of Moringa leaf extract on biomass,grain yield of wheat and applied nutrient efficiency

Moringa leaf extracts (MLE) from two varieties of Moringa oleifera Lam. were applied to leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in two glasshouse experiments. MLE was extracted from the leaves of using three different solvents (hexane, butanol; ethyl-acetate). The extracts were applied as foliar sprays at different growth stages of wheat (T. aestivum L.) grown on two soil types with either adequate or low phosphorus (P) nutrient additions at Albany, Western Australia. Sprays were applied at the 4–5 leaf (tillering) and the 7-leaf (Boot) stage either as a single spray or a combination of sprays at tillering and boot stage. The application of MLE either at tillering or boot stage increased the dry weight of shoots (biomass) and grain yield of wheat. A foliar spray of MLE applied at tillering increased biomass at the boot stage by ～37% and grain yield increased by ～34% compared to nil MLE spray. A single spray of MLE increased grain yield by ～30% when applied at boot stage. A single application at tillering gave a better yield response than a single spray at the 7-leaf or boot or than a double spray applied at tillering and boot stage. A 50% dilution of the extractant concentration gave the same grain yield response as the original concentration applied at tillering stage. The hexane extracts gave the significantly higher grain yield responses. Plant tissue and grain analysis showed no significant difference in protein and nutrient concentration of wheat grain from plants sprayed with and without MLE. A MLE spray at boot also increased grain yield by 44% on the red sandy-loam soil where P application was at sub-optimum levels, ～80% of P requirement for maximum yield. The partial factor productivity (PFP) index indicated that the P and potassium (K) use improved where MLE was applied as a foliar spray. For example, the PFP of P and K for grain yield increased by about 30%, where MLE was sprayed to foliage. The results of this study indicate that MLE extracted can potentially be a viable option to increase wheat grain yield and fertilizer efficiency use, particularly P and K, in Mediterranean wheat production system.     

Treatment of Pistachio Trees with Zinc and Copper in Time of Swollen Bud in Two Consecutive Years

This study was done to investigate the effects of foliar sprays of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on fruit set, yield, yield components, vegetative growth, and leaf nutrient concentrations of pistachio trees (cv. Owhadi), over two consecutive seasons 2010 (ON) and 2011 (OFF). Tests were done at a commercial orchard in the region of Rafsanjan in Iran. Tests were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block with four replications. Treatments tested in the study were three concentration levels of zinc sulfate (0, 1000, and 2000 mg L^?1) and two concentration levels of copper sulfate (0 and 200 mg L^?1). Results showed that Zn foliar application increased first fruit set, final fruit set, fresh yield, and dry yield. Nut weight was increased by Zn spray by 3 and 4% at the second and third levels of Zn, respectively, compared with the control. However, Cu application increased splitting and vegetative growth. Vegetative growth in the OFF year was greater than that of the ON year. Phosphorus, sodium, and Cu concentrations in leaf were greater in the ON year than in the OFF year, but concentrations of Zn and potassium in leaf were lower in the ON year than they were in the OFF year. These results show that Zn and Cu applications can affect growth and yield of pistachio, especially when the plant is grown in calcareous soils. However, the alternate bearing pattern had a significant effect on vegetative growth and some leaf nutrient concentrations.     

锌肥品种与施用方法对水稻产量和锌含量的影响

【目的】 鉴于在缺锌土壤上施用锌肥不仅可提高水稻产量,而且也能显著提高水稻籽粒锌含量,本研究旨在揭示不同品种锌肥和施用方法在提高水稻产量和籽粒锌含量方面的差异。 【方法】 以水稻品种‘镇稻 11 号’为供试材料,于 2011 年 5 月至 2012 年 11 月在大田条件下设置 4 组试验:试验 1,富锌稻种的生产制备与籽粒锌含量的染色鉴定试验,设水稻常规种植(CK)和生育期连续喷施 5 次硫酸锌(ZnSO₄·7H₂O,Zn) 2 个处理;试验 2,不同品种锌肥土壤施用试验,设不施锌肥对照(S1)、土施 ZnSO₄·7H₂O (S2)、土施氮锌复合肥(Urea-Zn,S3)、土施磷锌复合肥(Mosaic-Zn,S4)、土施钾锌复合肥(Kali-Zn,S5)、富锌种苗移栽(S6)和 ZnSO₄·7H₂O 蘸秧根移栽(S7) 7 个处理;试验 3,不同品种锌肥叶面喷施试验,设不施锌肥对照(F1)、孕穗期喷施 ZnSO₄·7H₂O (F2)、开花期喷施 ZnSO₄·7H₂O (F3)、孕穗期和开花期各喷施 ZnSO₄·7H₂O (F4)、开花期与农药一起喷施 ZnSO₄·7H₂O (F5)、开花期喷施 Kali-EPSO-Zn(F6)和开花期喷施 ADOB-IDHA-Zn(F7) 7 个处理;试验 4,富锌稻种育苗种植比较试验,设常规稻种(CK-grain)和富锌稻种(Zn-grain)育苗种植 2 个处理,研究其对水稻产量及构成、各器官(叶片、茎秆和籽粒)锌含量和累积分配的影响。 【结果】 1) 在水稻生育期进行叶面高浓度和高强度的喷锌方式可制备富锌稻种,且可采用双硫腙(DTZ)染色直观鉴定籽粒锌含量。2) 施用锌肥显著提高水稻产量和锌含量,且不同锌肥品种和施用方法间差异显著。3) 土壤施锌各处理平均增产效果显著高于叶面喷锌 5.2%;与土壤施锌处理相比,叶面喷锌各处理的叶片、茎秆和籽粒锌含量的平均值则分别显著提高 224.6%、78.5% 和 12.1%。4) 在土壤施锌条件下,不同锌肥品种中氮锌复合肥 (S3) 和钾锌复合肥 (S5) 的增产效果显著高于磷锌复合肥 (S4),而在叶面喷锌条件下,以 Kali-EPSO-Zn 处理 (F6) 提高水稻各器官锌含量的能力显著高于 ADOB-IDHA-Zn 处理 (F7) 和 ZnSO₄·7H₂O 处理 (F3)。5) 较常规稻种 (CK-grain),应用富锌稻种 (Zn-grain) 育苗种植的水稻产量和籽粒锌含量分别提高 4.6% 和 3.9%。 【结论】 结合锌肥土施增加水稻产量和喷施增加籽粒锌含量的田间应用效果,因地制宜地综合采用土施氮锌复合肥和喷施钾锌复合肥的配合施肥方法以及选用富锌稻种育苗种植,可协同实现最佳的锌肥利用效率、最大程度地稳产增产和提高稻米的锌营养品质。      

Zinc fertilization approaches for agronomic biofortification and estimated human bioavailability of zinc in maize grain

Maize (Zea mays L.) is generally low in bioavailable zinc (Zn); however, agronomic biofortification can cure human Zn deficiency. In the present experiment, Zn was applied in pots as ZnSO₄ · 7H₂O to maize cultivar DK-6142 as foliar spray (0.5% w/v Zn sprayed 25 days after sowing and 0.25% w/v at tasseling), surface broadcasting (16 kg Zn ha^?1), subsurface banding (16 kg Zn ha^?1 at the depth of 15 cm), surface broadcasting + foliar and subsurface banding + foliar in comparison to an unfertilized control. As compared to control, all treatments significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased growth, yield and nutritional attributes in maize. Grain Zn and protein concentrations were correlated and ranged from 22.3 to 41.9 mg kg^?1 and 9 to 12 %, respectively. Zinc fertilization also significantly reduced grain phytate and increased grain Zn concentration. Zinc fertilization, especially broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray decreased grain [phytate]:[Zn] ratio to 28 and 21 and increased Zn bioavailability by trivariate model of Zn absorption to 2.04 to 2.40, respectively. Conclusively, broadcasting and subsurface banding combined with foliar spray is suitable for optimal maize yield and agronomic Zn biofortification of maize grain. This would also be helpful to optimize Zn and protein concentration in maize grain.     

Inducing drought tolerance in wheat by applying natural and synthetic plant growth promoters

Crop productivity in future may be limited due to water scarcity. However, foliar spray of plant growth promoters may boost crop production even in adverse environments. In the present study, foliar application of one natural (moringa leaf extract, 3% MLE) and four synthetic (Polydol, Multisol, Classic, and Asahi Star) were applied at tillering, jointing, booting, and heading growth stages of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during severe, moderate, and light drought and well‐watered condition. No spray and water spray were taken as controls. Results showed significant reduction in growth parameters such as total dry matter production, mean crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area index, and duration due to drought employed at various phenophases of wheat. However, improvement in these parameters was observed after foliar application of growth promoters, whereas interactive effects between factors were found non‐significant. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD) were more accelerated under drought treatments from exogenously supplied growth promoters. Foliar application of promoters significantly alleviated drought‐induced reduction of yield and related traits. Grain weight (15%) and grain yield (27%) were improved due to exogenously applied MLE under moderate drought stress treatments relative to controls. Furthermore, 16% higher grain yield and 17% saving of irrigation water over fully irrigated and without promoter treatment (farmers' practice) was recorded from foliar‐applied MLE under skipped irrigation at jointing. In conclusion, foliar‐applied MLE may ameliorate drought‐induced deleterious effects by enhancing antioxidant activities under drought stress.     

Lipid-based Fe- and Zn- nanoformulation is more effective in alleviating Fe- and Zn- deficiency in maize

Improving uptake, translocation, and utilization of foliar applied Fe and Zn is essential for increasing biomass and grain yield under deficient conditions. We compared the effect of foliar applied lipid-based Pheroid Fe- or Zn- nanoformulation, chelate and sulfate forms on biomass, nutrient uptake and mobilization in maize grown under Fe and Zn deficiency scenarios in hydroponic systems and field trials. Foliar spray of Fe-Pheroid nanoformulation resulted in complete re-greening. Partial and no re-greening of mature and young leaves, respectively, were observed under FeSO₄ and Fe-HEDTA treatments. Foliar spray of Zn-Pheroid nanoformulation increased the Zn concentration of young leaves. In field trials, foliar spray of Fe- or Zn- chelate did not improve leaf Fe and Zn concentration or grain yield. Fe- and Zn-Pheroid nanoformulation improved the mobility of Fe and Zn within the plant. Field trials indicated that non-lipid-based formulation was not effective in amelioration of Fe- and Zn deficiency.     

Zinc bioavailability and nitrogen concentration in grains of wheat crop sprayed with zinc sulfate,ammonium sulfate,ammonium chloride,and urea

Abstract

It is still unclear if different sources of nitrogen (N) can variably influence grain accumulation of zinc (Zn), N, and phytate. We tested foliar treatments of 0 or 0.25% Zn as zinc sulfate in combination with 0 or 1% N as ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate or urea sprayed on field-grown-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) foliage at anthesis and 10 days later. Leaf burning caused by ammonium chloride significantly decreased grain yield. Grain N concentration was the highest in the urea +0.25% Zn treatment. Foliar N application influenced grain Zn concentration only if Zn was included in the spray. Grain phytate concentration was significantly decreased by both N and Zn sprays. Estimated Zn bioavailability in grains was the highest at 0.25% Zn and was not influenced by the N sources. Based on grain yield, grain N concentration, and Zn bioavailability in grains, foliar application of Zn?+?urea is an optimal strategy.     

EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF SOLUBLE SILICIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD PARAMETERS OF WETLAND RICE IN HILLY AND COASTAL ZONE SOILS OF KARNATAKA,SOUTH INDIA

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar spray of soluble silicic acid on growth and yield parameters of wetland rice. The results revealed a significant effect on achieving higher grain and straw yield with foliar silicic acid over control. Foliar spray of silicic acid at 2 and 4 ml L^?1 increased the grain and straw yield and application of 8 ml L^?1 decreased the yield. Foliar spray of silicic acid at 4 ml L^?1 along with half dose of recommended pesticide effectively increased the yields over all other treatments. The content and uptake of silicon in grain and straw was recorded higher with the foliar spray of silicic acid over control. This investigation concludes that application of silicic acid at 4 ml L^?1 along with half dose of recommended pesticide as foliar spray increased the grain and straw yield, besides Si content and its uptake over control.     

Comparing Application Methods for Boron Fertilizer on the Yield and Quality of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

The present study is based on the hypothesis that different methods of supplying boron (B) may have different effects on the yield and quality performance of tobacco crop. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different methods of B fertilization on the yield, quality, and leaf composition of flue-cured Virginia tobacco (cv. K-399) in 2007 at the Pakistan Tobacco Research Station, Mansehra. Three different methods (i.e., foliar spray, soil application, and root dipping at the rates of 0.25 kg ha^–1, 1 kg ha^–1, and 0.5 mg B L^–1, respectively) in the form of boric acid along with a control (where no B was applied) were used in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. Results revealed that different methods of B application significantly affected tobacco yield, quality, and nutrient uptake compared to the control. Maximum leaf area of 707 cm², green leaf yield of 18553 kg ha^–1, cured leaf yield of 2314 kg ha^–1, grade index of 79%, nicotine content of 2.54%, and sugar content of 18.35% were noted in the treatment plot where B was applied as a foliar spray; however, in a few cases, there was no significant difference found among different methods of B application. Chloride and potassium contents were not significantly affected by any method of B fertilization. The B fertilization increased the concentration of this element in tobacco leaf, and a maximum concentration of B 48.55 mg kg^–1 was noted in the foliar spray treatment. Moreover, fertilizer-use efficiency for different methods of B application revealed that foliar spray is more efficient as compared to soil application and root-dipping methods. Nutrient ratios to B such as potassium (K) / B and chloride (Cl) / B considerably decreased in tobacco leaf with increases in the concentration of B in leaves. These ratios provided some indication of the interrelationship of B with these nutrients in tobacco plants. Results also revealed that K/B and Cl/B ratios closely correlated with the grade index of tobacco leaf, and good grades of tobacco were found to be at a K/B ratio of 682 and a Cl/B ratio of 148 under the experimental conditions. The overall results indicated that the B foliar spray at the rate of 0.25 kg ha^–1 significantly increased the yield, quality, and the nutrient uptake by the tobacco crop under the prevailing conditions and was more effective than other methods of B application.     

Foliar fertilization of nickel affects growth,yield component and micronutrient status of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown on low nickel soil

Foliar application of nickel (Ni) has higher use efficiencies and is preferred over soil application in view of its very low requirement. Pot experiments were conducted during winter season of 2012-2013 and repeated during 2013-2014. Treatments consisted of twelve Ni levels applied as nickel sulphate (NiSO4.7H₂O) spray (T₁-Ni_0%, T₂-Ni_0.05%, T₃-Ni_0.1%, T₄-Ni_0.2%, T₅-Ni_0.3%, T₆-Ni_0.4%, T₇-Ni_0.5%, T₈-Ni_0.6%, T₉-Ni_0.7%, T₁₀-Ni_0.8%, T₁₁-Ni_0.9%,and T₁₂-Ni_1.0%,) with recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) applied in all pots. The result showed that growth and yield attributes viz. plant height, leaf greenness index, number of tillers, number of ears pot^-1, number of grains ear^-1, straw yield, grain yield and weight of 1000 grains of barley was the maximum with three foliar application of 0.2% of NiSO4.7H₂O (T₄-Ni_0.2%) at 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing (DAS) during both the years. The concentration of Fe, Mn and Zn in grain increased significantly up to T₄-Ni_0.2% and after this level, a significant decline was recorded during both the years. As regards to the concentration of Ni is concerned, it increased significantly both in grain and straw with increasing levels of Ni spray and the maximum concentration was at T₁₂-Ni_1.0%, during both the years. The uptake of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in grain of barley increased significantly during both the years up to T₄-Ni_0.2%,thereafter, it declined significantly with successive increase in dose of Ni spray. Thus 0.2% foliar spray of NiSO4.7H₂O significantly increased growth, yield and Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn (micronutrients) status in barley.     

Iron nutrition in low chill peach for improving yield and fruit quality

Foliar fertilization and microbe supplemented iron (Fe) bioavailability can fulfill iron demand of plants. An experiment was performed to examine the effect of Psuedomonas fluorescens along with foliar spray ferrous sulfate on low-chill peach plants suffering from iron deficiency. Number of leaves per shoot, leaf area, chlorophyl content, Fe: Mn ratio of leaves, fruit yield and fruit physico-chemical parameters were recorded. The results showed a significant increase in leaves chlorophyl content, iron: manganese ratio of leaves, fruit yield, fruit length, fruit breadth, total soluble solids (T.S.S) and T.S.S and acid ratio with the inoculation of Pseudomonas fluorescens as well as foliar spray of ferrous sulfate, whereas, acidity of fruit pulp was decreased. Significantly higher number of leaves per shoot was also noted with foliar spray of ferrous sulfate. Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculation along with foliar spray of ferrous sulfate significantly increased leaves chlorophyl content, fruit length, T.S.S and T.S.S : acid ratio of fruit pulp.     

Lime and Micronutrients Interaction in Soybean Genotypes Adapted to Tropical and Subtropical Conditions

Liming reduces acidity neutralizes aluminum (Al³⁺) and manganese (Mn²⁺) toxicities and increases calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) concentrations in many acid soils of the world. However, it reduces the availability of other cationic micronutrients that are essential for plant growth. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions for assessing the effects of higher lime rates in foliar and grain boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) concentrations of 15 soybean genotypes [Glycine max (L) Merrill]. The lime rates were calculated to raise base saturation (V) to 40 and 70%. The soybean genotypes were classified as efficient and moderately efficient in lime-use, the most efficient cultivar was BRS 295RR, and the least efficient was TMG 7161RR and BMX Força RR. The lime rates × genotypes interaction was significant for foliar Cu. The grain the interactions were significant for B, Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations. Foliar and grain B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations varied significantly among the genotypes. The Ca and Mg concentrations in the leaf, grain, and soil showed a positive correlation with foliar B concentrations and a negative correlation with leaf and grain Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations.     

CUMULATIVE AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF ZINC SULFATE ON GRAIN YIELD,ZINC, IRON,AND COPPER CONCENTRATION IN CORN AND WHEAT

Re-application of zinc (Zn) sulfate for corn (Zea mays L.) production in rotation of wheat-corn has varied effects on yield of crops grown in Zn deficient soils. Therefore, this study was done as split plots in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) where the main plots were control with and without Zn application in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Sub-plots were of control, without Zn fertilizer, base application of 75 kg per hectare (kg Zn ha^?1), 25% and 50% less than base application and as foliar spray in combination with the 4 soil Zn treatments for corn production. Effect of previous Zn application on grain Zn concentration of corn was significant (P < 0.01). Zinc concentrations in treatments of without previous Zn (nil Zn) application and with Zn application were 28.1 and 31.8 mg kg^?1, respectively. Soil application of 75 kg ha^?1 and foliar application of Zn sulfate gave the highest yield (8853 kg ha^?1) showed an increase of 25 percent in compared with nil-Zn. Although re-application of Zn has small effect on yield, but resulted in was the highest grain concentration.     

Effect of seaweed sap as foliar spray on growth and yield of hybrid maize

Seaweeds are important marine renewable resources. Use of seaweeds as fertilizers has allowed for substitution in place of conventional synthetic fertilizers. This study was conducted to examine the effect of seaweed liquid extract (SLE) on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake by hybrid maize. The experiments were conducted in ZARS, Vishweshwaraiah Canal farm, Mandya (Karnataka, India) during the rabi season of 2011–2013 to study the effect of foliar applications of Kappaphycus alvarezii (K sap) and Gracilaria edulis (G sap) sap on growth and yield response of hybrid maize “NAH 1137”. Three foliar sprays of both saps were applied at the rate of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, and 15.0% (v/v) along with water spray as a control at different stages of the crop. It was found that grain yield increased significantly by 18.54% and 26.04% for plants receiving 10% concentrations of both K. alvarezii and G. edulis sap respectively, over control. The increase in yield was attributed to increase in the number of rows in cob, cob length, and 100 grain weight. This investigation concludes that application of both the saps at 10% increased the nutrient uptake, grain, and stover yield over control.     

The influence of variations in soil copper on the yield and nutrition of spinach grown in microplots on two organic soils

Abstract

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Symphony) was grown in spring 1982 in field microplots of an organic soil (site I a mucky peat) containing 81 to 1063 μg Cu.g^‐1 soil, and cv. America of the same crop taken in summer 1982 on a peaty organic soil (site II) varying in Cu content from 13 to 1659 μg.g^‐1. The variations in soil Cu were mainly due to three rates of Cu applications in 1978 at site II and in 1979 at site I. At site I, the diversity in soil‐Cu had no effect on yield or foliar‐Cu levels in the crop. At site II soil‐Cu was positively correlated with yield and foliar Cu; and negatively with leaf Fe due to a dilution effect. Neither soil Cu nor foliar Cu had any significant effect on Mo in leaves at both sites, except that the increase in yield due to the highest level of Cu at site II was accompanied by an increased plant uptake of Mo. Also, foliar Cu was positively correlated with P, Mg and Mn levels in leaves at site I; and foliar Ca, Mg and Mn at site II.

Residual soil Cu up to 1063 μg.g^‐1 in a mucky peat and 16 59 μg.g^‐1 in a peat showed no signs of causing phytotoxocity or significant nutritional imbalance.     

Increased yield of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) by foliar fertilization through multi-component fertilizers

Foliar application of fertilizers can guarantee the availability of nutrients to rice for obtaining higher yield. Rice responds favorably to macro- and micronutrients and the tolerance to salinity hazards improves by decreasing the N/S ratio. In this study, results showed that nutrient concentrations (g L^?1) for rice are: nitrogen (N) 108.0, phosphorous (P₂O₅) 6, potassium (K₂O) 81.0, calcium (CaO) 15.0, and magnesium (MgO) 6 g L^?1; and for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and silicon (Si) the recommended concentrations are 0.6, 0.45, 0.21, 0.06, 0.09, 0.0002 and 0.004 g L^?1, respectively. A significant increase was recorded in number of panicles m^?2, 1000 grain weight, biological yield and grain yield with foliar application of nutrients. Five foliar applications of nutrients resulted in maximum number of panicles m^?2, grains panicle^?1, 1000 grain weight and biological yield. It is concluded that five foliar applications of balanced amounts of fertilizers at the seedling stage (two sprays), tillering (single spray) and at panicle initiation and panicle differentiation (two sprays) helped in enhancing yield and yield components of rice. In this research, five foliar applications produced the smallest damaging effects of blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in rice.     

氮锌配施对不同玉米品种灌浆期生理特性和籽粒氮锌含量的影响

提高粮食作物中可食部分的锌生物有效性是解决人体缺锌的重要措施。为研究氮锌肥料施用对玉米籽粒锌营养的影响,本研究以郑单958和谷神玉66为试验材料,在大田条件下研究3个氮水平(90、180 和225 kg N·hm^-2)和2个喷锌处理(0和4.5 kg·hm^-2 ZnSO₄·7H₂O)下玉米籽粒产量和氮锌含量以及灌浆期叶片生理特性的变化。结果表明,吐丝后,与施氮量90 kg·hm^-2处理相比,施氮量180和225 kg·hm^-2处理提高了吐丝后穗位叶SPAD值及硝酸还原酶(NR)、谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)、碳酸酐酶(CA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和灌浆后期PSⅡ综合性能指数(PI),降低了丙二醛(MDA)含量。施锌能提高吐丝后穗位叶CA、SOD、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和灌浆后期SPAD值和PI,降低MDA含量。2个品种相比,谷神玉66灌浆后期穗位叶SPAD值、叶片初始荧光(F_o)和最大荧光(F_m)较高,而灌浆前期穗位叶PI和吐丝后NR、CA、SOD以及POD活性则以郑单958较高。施氮量为90 kg·hm^-2时,玉米籽粒产量平均为8.55 t·hm^-2,随着施氮量增加,玉米籽粒产量显著提高。籽粒中氮含量以施氮量180 kg·hm^-2时最高,为14.85 g·kg^-1。施氮量90和180 kg·hm^-2时,籽粒锌含量平均为27.2 mg·kg^-1,显著高于施氮量225 kg·hm^-2处理。与不施锌相比,喷锌后玉米籽粒产量未有显著变化,籽粒中氮、锌含量分别增加了11.7%和18.0%。郑单958籽粒产量较谷神玉66提高了3.8%,籽粒氮锌含量则分别减少了11.9%和5.3%。综合来看,施氮量为180 kg N·hm^-2时,与喷施ZnSO₄·7H₂O 4.5 kg·hm^-2 配合施用能够增强玉米灌浆期叶片SPAD和荧光特性,提高氮锌代谢关键酶活性,增强氧自由基清除系统酶活性,减弱膜脂过氧化作用的伤害,促进籽粒中氮、锌的吸收和累积。本研究结果可为玉米生产中优化锌生物强化措施提供理论依据。     

Response of wheat genotypes to zinc fertilization for improving productivity and quality

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) fertilization on yield potentiality and quality of promising wheat varieties during winter seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15 at the research farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Among genotypes, HD 2967 genotype proved as best in realizing the highest grain yield (4.89 Mg ha^?1), net returns and benefit–cost ratio besides increased protein (13.4%) and wet gluten (29.4%) content in grain. Highest grain Zn concentration and recovery efficiency (RE) recorded in HD 2851 and HD 2687, respectively. HD 2932 registered lowest grain hardiness index (GHI) followed by PBW 343, indicating their better bread-making quality. With respect to Zn fertilization, application of 1.25 kg Zn Zn–ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (Zn–EDTA) + 0.5% foliar spray at maximum tillering and booting stages resulted in the highest yields, grain Zn concentration and RE followed by 2.5 kg Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + 0.5% foliar spray at both stages. These treatments are also superior most with respect to grain quality parameters such as protein, wet gluten and starch content. From profitability viewpoint, 2.5 kg Zn (ZnSO₄·7H₂O) + 0.5% two foliar sprays were most remunerative with maximum net returns and benefit–cost ratio.     

Effect of foliar and soil applications of zinc sulphate on zinc uptake,tree size,yield, and fruit quality of mango

To compare the effect of methods (foliar and soil) and rate of application of zinc sulphate on zinc and phosphorus uptake, tree size, yield and fruit quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dusheri, zinc sulphate was applied as a foliar spray application (0.25, 0.50, 1.0%) and soil (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 kg tree^‐1) treatments during the second week of October (during flower bud differentiation period). All the zinc sulphate treatments of soil and foliar spray were effective in increasing the leaf zinc concentrations above recommended adequate level of (>20 mg kg^‐1) whereas control trees maintained low leaf zinc concentrations (13.8 to 13.3 mg kg^‐1). The uptake of foliar‐applied zinc was more rapid than that of soil applied zinc. All the treatments of zinc sulphate except the foliar spray treatment of zinc sulphate (0.25%) significantly increased zinc concentrations in the fruit pulp as compared with those in the control trees. The percent increase in the stem girth of trees was highest with the soil application of zinc sulphate (0.5 kg tree¹) followed by foliar application of zinc sulphate (1.0%) as compared with all other treatments. The percent increase in the tree canopy volume was highest with the foliar application of zinc sulphate (1.0%) followed by soil application of zinc sulphate (1.0 kg tree¹) as compared with control and all other treatments. There was no significant (P<0.05) increase in yield, fruit size and weight, pulp or stone weight with any treatment of zinc sulphate. Total soluble solid (TSS) in the fruit was significantly higher (18.6%) with the treatment of soil application of zinc sulphate (0.5 kg tree¹) as compared with all other treatments of zinc sulphate and the control. Acid and sugar content of the fruit was not significantly affected by the foliar or soil application of zinc sulphate.     

Determination of Optimum Rate and Growth Stage for Foliar‐Applied Phosphorus in Corn

Abstract

Foliar applications of fertilizer phosphorus (P) could improve use efficiency by minimizing soil applications. Nine experiments were conducted in 2002 and 2003 to determine foliar P rates and appropriate growth stages for application. Treatments comprised of 10 factorial combinations of three foliar P application timings and four rates of foliar P. Foliar application times were V4 (collar of fourth leaf visible), V8 (collar of eighth leaf visible), and VT (last branch of the tassel completely visible but silks not yet emerged) corn growth stages. Foliar P rates were 0, 2, 4, and 8 kg ha^?1. Foliar P applied at the VT growth stage improved grain and forage P concentration, which was reflected in increased grain yield in some of the experiments. A foliar P rate of 8 kg ha^?1 improved yield to some extent and forage and grain P concentration more than the smaller rates. The results suggest that foliar P could be used as an efficient P‐management tool in corn when applied at the appropriate growth stage and rate.