Improving zinc density and seed yield of green gram by foliar application of zinc at early reproductive phase

The effect of foliar Zn treatments was studied on pollen-stigma interaction, its involvement in fertilization, seed Zn and seed yield. The plants grown with deficient supply of (ZnD) reduced the size of anthers, pollen producing capacity, size and viability of pollen grains. SEM studies of pollen grains showed the morphological changes in pollen shape and size with changes in the exine ornamentation. Flowers of ZnD plants showed a decrease in the pollen receptive area and a persistent cuticle over the stigmatic surface which affected the germinability of the pollen grains. The foliar applications of Zn to Zn deficient plants partially reversed the above effects. Foliar application of Zn also improved the yield, boldness, vigor and viability of seeds. Seed Zn was also appreciably enhanced in Zn sufficient plants given foliar Zn.