Vol. 11, Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Shrut Kirtika, Aman Prajapat and IR Delvadiya

Abstract:
Biofortification is a long-term strategy for increasing the availability of zinc (Zn) to people who need it most. Plant breeding efforts at the CGIAR and NARS have made significant progress in the development of Zndense cultivars, and new bio-fortified varieties have been successfully released. When compared to other tactics, genetic modification through gene technology provides a quick and precise way to generate nutrient-dense crops with minimal on-going investment. Using zinc fertilisers to improve zinc concentrations in maize grain is a viable option. A maize hybrid was chosen, and three levels of Zn (10, 20 and 30 kg ha^-1) were applied at the time of sowing. The results showed that maize grain production and Zn content increased in response to Zn application in the soil or on the leaves. The plots that received 30 kg of Zn ha^-1 produced the maximum grain yield (7.76 t ha^-1), which is comparable to the 7.64 t ha-1 grain yield from plots that received 20 kg of Zn ha^-1. In the case of Zn, the increase over control is 55% and 51.8%, respectively. The findings showed that Zn application applied as a soil or foliar application increased maize grain production and Zn content. The study concluded thatzinc fertilisation is an efficient strategy to boost corn yield, concentration in maize grain, and, ultimately, corn quality.