Fortification of maize (Zea mays L.) by methods and time of Zinc application

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at Khalsa College, Amritsar to evaluate the fortification of maize, (Zea mays L.) by methods and time of Zn application during kharif 2016 on sandy loam soil. Zn as in soil (25 kg ha-1) or foliar application (1.0% Zn foliar spray at different stages) alone and in combination (25 kg ha‑1 in soil and 0.5% Zn as foliar spray were evaluated in randomized block design having three replications. Results showed that combined application of Zn in soil and foliar spray (0.5%) significantly improved plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, cob length, no of grains/cob, grain yield and biological yield. Similarly, with combined application Zn in soil and foliar spray produced significantly more Zn content (ppm) in grain. Zn foliar application at lateral stage produced higher grain yield, yield attributes and Zn content in grain of maize than earlier stages. These results suggested that combined application of Zn as soil and foliar spray can improve the performance of maize hybrids.