Effect of chelated iron and zinc application on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) in subtropical climate

Abstract

The Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) chelates were synthesized in laboratory using amino acid viz., glycine and methionine by excess alkali hydrolysis method used as micronutrient supplement for maize (Zea mays L.). The chelates were formulated in the ratio of 25:17 and 17:17. This study revealed the use efficiency of ferrous bisglycinate and zinc methionate compare over Fe and Zn fertilizer sources. The foliar application of formulation 17:17 at 0.2 per cent significantly increased the plant height and stem girth by 17% and 32% respectively over control. Similarly; the chlorophyll content and leaf area index also recorded 20% and 31% respectively over control. Foliar application of both formulations 17:17 and 25:17 at 0.2 per cent increased the overall growth and productivity of the crop by 21% over the control (T1). When compared with sulphate salts (T4 & T8) and HEDP (T5 & T9) chelated iron and zinc source fertilizers the growth and productivity increased by 11% and 8% respectively. It concluded that formulations as foliar application has profound increased in the plant growth and productivity of the crop over the other Fe and Zn sources.