Enhancing brinjal productivity through optimized zinc fertilizer doses and application techniques in north east alluvial plain zone of Bihar

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Araria in its adopted village Tekhpura and Sangrampur to evaluate the effect of different doses and methods of zinc fertilizer application on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). On-Farm Trials (OFTs) were conducted during August to October 2016 using the variety Degiri -1. The study comprised three treatments: T₁ (Farmer’s Practice)-12.0 kg Zn/ha as a basal dose, T₂ (Assessed Recommended Practice) -25.0 kg Zn/ha as a basal dose, and T₃ (New Technology) -12.0 kg Zn/ha as a basal dose along with two foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO₄·7H₂O (the first at maximum vegetative growth stage and the second at flower initiation stage) with 0.25% lime added to neutralize the residual acidity of ZnSO₄·7H₂O. The results revealed that T₃ recorded the highest improvement in growth and yield parameters (91.4%), followed by T₂ (82.4%) and T₁ (62.77%). It is concluded that the application of 12.0 kg Zn/ha as a basal dose combined with two foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO₄·7H₂O significantly enhanced flowering, fruit setting, and fruit yield per plant in brinjal under field conditions.