Vol. 12, Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
SM Khardia, LP Balai and YK Ghilotia

Abstract:
A field trial was carried out at the Agronomy farm of OPJS University, Churu (Rajasthan) during the Kharif season 2018-19 on loamy soil to find out the influence of different Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) and Zn levels biofortification application on nutrient content, uptake, quality, and economics. The trial was arranged in RBD (Factorial) along replicated three times, assigning twelve treatments consisting of three PGRs (Triacontanol @ 1000 ppm, NAA @ 50 ppm, & control) and four Zn levels (control, 2, 4, & 6 kg ha^-1). The PGRs & Zn levels biofortification application was 20 & 40 DAS in pearl millet crops. Based on the trial outcome Triacontanol and NAA significant progress was noted in nutrient (N, P, & Zn) concentration, uptake in plant, protein contains, net return, & B: C ratio in pearlmillet. Nutrients N, P, & Zn concentration in grain and straw significantly improved from 34.55 & 24.38, 10.39 & 0.18, 26.19 & 18.67, and 75.24 & 48.58, 10.78 & 6.86, 28.10 & 20.94 percent, respectively. The minimum N, P, & Zn concentration in seed and straw was noted in control. Triacontanol & NAA gave significantly higher net return (₹ 54,775 & 50, 906 ha^-1) and B: C ratio (3.22 & 3.04) over control. The Zn level application in the biofortification application was found significant in N, P, & Zn concentration and uptake in the plant, protein contains, net returns, and B: C ratio significantly improved with Zn fertilization @ 4 kg Zn/ha over control, which was remained at par with 6 kg Zn/ha. The net return & B: C ratio attained with 4 kg Zn/ha practice were ₹ 51,634/ha and 3.08, respectively.