PJB-2019-432
INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC ON GROWTH, YIELD AND ZN CONCENTRATION IN STRAWBERRY
S. M. BHATTI
Abstract
Deficiency of zinc in Pakistan soils is now well recognized and hence its application in crop husbandry is essentially required. In a field experiment, the effect of foliar application of zinc was quantified on growth, yield and Zn concentration in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Silder). The foliar rates were comprised of 33, 66, and 99 mg Zn L-1 (equivalent to 100, 200 and 300 mg ZnSO4 L-1) and distilled water (control treatment). These Zn levels were sprayed to strawberry plants before flower initiation. A continual increase in number of leaves, number of berries, weight of berries, fresh weight of strawberry plants, and Zn concentration in strawberry fruit was observed as a function of foliar application of zinc. Plants sprayed with 66 and 99 mg Zn L-1 had significantly more number of leaves and berries plant-1, heavier berries plant-1, higher fresh weight of strawberry plants and more Zn content in strawberry fruit when compared with plants that were sprayed with distilled water. We suggest that the foliar application of Zn at the rate of 99 mg Zn L-1 may be included in strawberry farming for profitable yields and high Zn concentration in strawberry fruit.
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