Physiological aspects of Zinc biofortification in rice through foliar spray of Zinc
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Date
2020-11
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Zinc is an essential micronutrient needed for biological metabolism, normal growth and development of plants as well as humans. Zinc deficiency is among the top five micronutrient deficiencies affecting one-third of the world’s population, especially among rural communities. The main reason for this deficiency is the intake of food with low zinc content. Rice, a staple food for majority of the world population is inherently low in zinc concentration. Biofortification of rice grains with zinc can help to combat this micronutrient deficiency to a large extent. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of foliar zinc application on growth, yield and nutritional quality of rice grains. The investigation was carried out in N.E.B. Crop Research Centre, Pantnagar during rainy season 2019-2020. Rice variety Pant Dhan 12 was grown in the field. Zinc was applied at four concentrations (105, 210, 420 and 840 ppm zinc) with the number of sprays varying from one to three at 30, 45 and 60 DAE. The results showed that zinc application had a promoting effects on number of tillers per square metre, LAI, number of panicles per square metre, biological yield, grain yield and straw yield. The maximum increase in biological yield was recorded with three sprays of 420 ppm of zinc. Harvest index and test weight remain unaffected by zinc application. Biochemical analysis revealed that chlorophyll content increased when treated with three sprays of 210 ppm of zinc. The study revealed that three sprays of 840 ppm one each at 30, 45 and 60 DAE was most effective for increasing grain yield as well as the zinc content of leaves, straw and grains.