Evaluation of Growth Responses in Wheat as Affected by the Application of Zinc and Boron to a Soil Deficient in Available Zinc and Boron

Abstract

A soil–pot culture experiment was conducted to study the individual and interactive effects of zinc (0, 5, and 10 mg kg⁻¹ soil) and boron (0, 0.75, and 1.5 mg kg⁻¹ soil) on growth, enzymatic activity, nutrient uptake, seed reserve content, and yield in wheat (var. HD2285) in a soil deficient in available zinc and hot water–extractable boron. Although the application of zinc and boron alone significantly increased the plant height, grain yield, total dry-matter yield, tissue zinc, and boron content in maize, maximum increase was obtained with the combined application of zinc and boron. The activities of enzymes peroxidase and starch phosphorylase decreased as compared to untreated control but the activity of carbonic anhydrase increased. Protein, starch, and phytate content of grains also increased with the application of the micronutrients. Moreover, in the absence of zinc, application of boron decreased the starch content of grains.

Keywords:

• Carbonic anhydrase
• grain protein
• peroxidase
• phytate
• starch
• starch phosphorylase
• wheat