Foliar Zn fertilization impacts on yield and quality in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Abstract

Zn is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development. Its effect on crop yield and quality has not been well documented. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of foliar application of zinc fertilizers on yield and quality of millet (Pennisetum glaucum). Six levels of ZnSO₄·7H₂O (0, 0.75, 1.13, 1.50, 2.25, 3.00 kg/hm²) were applied to two millet cultivars (Jigu 20 and Jiyou 2) to obtain 12 treatments. Zinc fertilization increased millet yield and improved quality when applied at a proper rate in both cultivars. The yield was the highest in Jigu 20 when applied at 1.50 kg/hm², and in Jiyou 2 when treated with 1.50 kg/hm². Zn application at 1.5 kg/hm² increased protein content by 11.13% for Jigu 20 and 10.53% for Jiyou 2. The Zn application at all rates increased lysine acid and soluble sugar content in the grain in both cultivars. The results of this study suggest that foliar Zn application increases yield and also improves grain quality when applied at 1.50 to 2.25 kg/hm² for soils with low zinc content.

Keywords

millet / zinc / yield / protein / soluble sugar / lysine

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