Agronomic bio-fortification of zinc fertilization on nutrient uptake of Baby corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out to study the response of zinc fertilization in baby corn during kharif season 2016. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design consisting of twelve treatments and three replications. Results indicated that nutrient content in plant, husk and corn were significantly higher over control (no zinc). Soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at 25 DAS and at 40 DAS recorded significantly higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in plant, husk and corn. Higher zinc concentration and uptake in plant, husk and corn was also recorded with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at 25 DAS and at 40 DAS over control (no zinc). Among different zinc fertilization treatments significantly higher cob yield and green fodder yield was produced by soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at 25 DAS and at 40 DAS over control (no zinc). The results of the study clearly indicated that there was significant response in baby corn with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + foliar spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.2% at 25 DAS and at 40 DAS over control (no zinc) application in Southern Zone of Telangana State.