Abstract
Hidden hunger is an emerging challenge for scientists, especially connected to the agriculture sector
because over two billion people are facing it globally. This issue is more common in developing countries
which have less access to a diverse diet due to their low income. Different potential practices are
introduced to minimize the pressure of malnutrition but agronomic biofortification is being considered
best practice to improve the contents of micronutrient in grains. A field based study was executed to
explore the impact of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and iron sulphate (FeSO4) on productivity and grain quality
of maize crop. Sole and combined application of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 either via soil or/and plant foliage not
only enhanced the yield attributes of maize crop but grain quality was also improved. Soil supplimetation
of ZnSO4 (10 kg ha-1
) produced maximum plant height and cob weight. Combined treatment of ZnSO4
(10 kg ha-1
) and FeSO4 (12 kg ha-1
) through soil produced more grains per cob, 1000-grain weight,
biological and grain yields. Foliar applied 0.1% ZnSO4 and 0.3% FeSO4 produced highest chlorophyll
contents. Foliar treatment of 0.1% ZnSO4 and 0.3% FeSO4 improved the concentration of zinc and iron in
grains, respectively. Combined treatment of 10 kg ha-1
of ZnSO4 and 12 kg ha-1
of FeSO4 through soil
improves the yield attributes while foliar spray of 0.1% ZnSO4 and 0.3% FeSO4 enhances quality
parameters. Overall, foliar spray approach is more applicable regarding nutrients availability for optimum
development and growth of crop and improved grain quality
Zunaira Anwar, Zyma Basharat, Muhammad Bilal Hafeez, Shahbaz Khan, Noreen Zahra, Zayrah Rafique, Muhammad Maqsood. (2021) Biofortification of Maize with Zinc and Iron not only Enhances Crop Growth but also Improves Grain Quality, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume-09, Issue-2.
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