Agronomic zinc biofortification of wheat to improve accumulation, bioavailability, productivity and use efficiency

Authors : Muhammad Ahmed AKRAM, Nizamuddin DEPAR, Muhammad IRFAN

Pages : 75-84

Doi:10.18393/ejss.647585

View : 34 | Download : 14

Publication Date : 2020-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Zinc insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Zn); deficiency causes low crop production and malnutrition in human. Agronomic biofortification of food crops can resolve the issues of global food security and human nutrition on sustainable basis. Field experiments were conducted to improve Zn bioavailability, growth and yield of wheat in response to varying Zn application rates for two consecutive years insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2016-17 & 2017-18);. Significant increase in grain yield was recorded with the application of Zn. Highest grain yield insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.41 t ha-1); was recorded with the application of 5.00 kg Zn ha -1. Human available Zn fraction was also improved in response to Zn application. Zn application resulted in lowering phytate/Zn molar ration in wheat grains. Higher Zn accumulation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(338.72 g ha-1); was observed by applying 7.5 kg Zn ha-1. Zinc application was found critical to meet internal insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(36.53 µg g-1); and external insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4.48 kg Zn ha-1); Zn requirements to achieve near maximum yield of wheat. The results reinforced the concept of Zn fertilization to achieve better productivity and quality.
Keywords : Biofortification, cereals, food security, nutrition

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