Effect of zinc on yield and quality of wheat cultivars

The field experiment was conducted during 2013–14 on the Research Farm, Wheat Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (M.S.) to study yield, quality and uptake of nutrients by four varieties of wheat in factorial randomized block design. There were twelve treatments combinations comprised four varieties of wheat and three Zinc treatments. The grain and straw yield of wheat significantly increased with the soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 50 kg ha⁻¹ + two foliar sprays ZnSO₄ @ 0.5%. The nutrient uptakeand protein content in wheat grain were significantly higher due to the soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 50 kg ha⁻¹ + two foliar sprays ZnSO₄ @ 0.5%, which was statistically at par with the soil application of ZnSO₄ @ 50 kg ha⁻¹. The interaction effect between wheat varieties and fertilizer application was significant for grain and straw yield. Cultivating wheat cv. AKAW-4210-6 with soil application of ZnSO₄, was found to be beneficial.