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

Abstract

Zinc (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 (2016-17 & 2017-18). Significant increase in grain yield was recorded with the application of Zn. Highest grain yield (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 (338.72 g ha-1) was observed by applying 7.5 kg Zn ha-1. Zinc application was found critical to meet internal (36.53 µg g-1) and external (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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