engleski

Biofortification of soybeans and sunflowers with zinc

Zinc is one of the 17 elements essential for the growth and development of plants. In the world, more than 3 billion people are exposed to micronutrient deficiencies, with Zn deficiency detected as a global problem. The simplest and fastest way to increase Zn concentration in grain is agronomic biofortification. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of foliar application of ZnSO4 solution on Zn accumulation in soybean (Glycine max L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grains. The soybean and sunflower experiments were set up in Eastern Slavonia at Tenja site. Agronomic biofortification of soybeans and sunflowers was carried out by single foliar application of ZnSO4 solution (100 g Zn/l) in the flowering phenophase with the total amount of 3 or 6 kg/ha Zn. In the control treatment of soybeans, the Zn concentration in the grain was 50.25 mg/kg, while in the sunflower grain was 67.2 mg/kg. After the foliar application 3 kg/ha of Zn, an increase in Zn in soybeans by 26.9% (63.75 mg/kg) and in sunflowers by 7.3% (72.16 mg/kg) was recorded. After the foliar application of higher Zn amount (6 kg/ha), an increase was recorded in soybeans by 28.6% (64.61 mg/kg) and in sunflowers by 18.3% (79.56 mg/kg) comparing to control. The lower Zn amount (3 kg/ha) statically significantly increased the Zn concentration in soybean compared to the control, but there was no statistically significant impact on sunflower. Application of higher Zn amount (6 kg/ha) resulted in significant increase of Zn concentration in both grains, soybean and sunflower, comparing to control, but without significant increase comparing to lower Zn dose (3 kg/ha). The field experiments showed that Zn concentration could be efficient

agronomic biofortification; foliar application; zinc sulfate; zinc dose

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