Enhancement of Zn density in Barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain: A Physiological approach

This research was designed to investigate the foliar zinc application effect for increasing the nutritional value of barley by the way of improving zinc grain density. At presowing soil application of NH4NO3 and ZnSO4.7H2O (10 mg/ kg soil each) and foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4.7H2O aqua solution at different plant growth stages were given. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) var. K551 were grown in earthen pots in glass house in October and subjected to six different treatments of foliar application of Zn at 35d (T1), 45d (T2), 55d (T3), 35+45d (T4), 35+45+55d (T5) and 45+55d (T6) with control (T). Observations were taken at 35,45 and 55 days after sowing for pigments analysis and enzyme activities while all other observation were taken on all treatment stages. The results demonstrate that all the growth parameters like plant height, flag leaf area, number of tillers plant-1 and chlorophyll content as well as enzyme activities of peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase in young leaves were increased significantly in comparison to control. Maximum plant height (72.80 cm), flag leaf area (79.17 cm2), tiller plant-1 (12.66), number of grain (51.66), dry matter production (35.41 g) and more Zn translocation from flag leaf to grain and its accumulation were obtained at 35+45+55d (T5). Zn foliar application at T5 was observed more significant as compared to other stages of treatment.

Author(s): Namita Yadav* and Yogesh Kumar sharma

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