Effect of zinc application on quality of wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

In plants, zinc plays a vital role as a catalytical, structural and regulatory co-factor of many enzyme reactions. Zinc is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein synthesis, the biosynthesis of growth hormones, in particular of indole acetic acid and the maintenance of the integrity of cell membranes. The deficiency symptoms first appears on young leaves as zinc is an immobile nutrient in plants. Zinc deficient leaves remains small with extended necrotic spots and interveinal chlorosis on the upper leaf surfaces. Zinc deficiency is major problem in cereal crops. Therefore, zinc agronomic fortification of wheat and other cereal crops is being urgently addressed and highly prioritized as a research topic. Increasing the zinc content of food crop resulting in better crop production is an important global challenge. A pot culture study entitled “Agronomic fortification of wheat as influenced by graded levels of zinc” was conducted during rabi 2017-2018 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Akola. The significantly highest test weight, carbohydrates and protein content were observed in the treatment of soil application of RDF + ZnSO4 @ 30 kg ha-1. It is concluded that the soil application of ZnSO4 @ 30 Kg ha-1 + RDF (80:40:40 kg ha-1 N, P2O5, K2O) at the time of sowing recorded highest wheat grain quality viz test weight, carbohydrates and protein content.