Differential Susceptibility of Some Composite Maize Germplasms to Zinc Deficiency in Calcareous Soil

In a field experiment on zinc deficient calcareous soil, five promising maize composites were tested for their differential susceptibility to the deficiency of this nutrient. Severe zinc deficiency symptoms were noted in Lakshami variety while Obregaon was nearly free from these. Accordingly maximum grain yield response to zinc was recorded in the former and minimum in the latter. Stover yield also followed a similar pattern. On the basis of yield response and total zinc uptake the susceptibility of the cultivars tested was rated in decreasing order as: Lakshami, Suwan 1 yellow, Keshari, Suwan 1 white and Obregaon.