Biofortification of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) through mineral and chelated forms of Zn on yield, Zn accumulation, quality parameters, efficiency indices and economic under low Zn soils of North-Western India

Abstract

Dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global nutritional problem, particularly prevalent in developing countries. Biofortification of food crops with Zn is, therefore, a key challenge and a high-priority research task to address Zn malnutrition. Linseed is a traditional oilseed crop widely used as a valuable alternative for cropping systems because of the high seed oil quality and for industrial purposes. Thus, the efficiency of ZnSO₄.7H₂O and Zn-EDTA was compared for enhancement of quantitative and qualitative parameters along with economic analysis. Foliar application of ZnSO₄.7H₂O and Zn-EDTA (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75%) was done at flowering and capsule formation stages. Results of three-years data revealed that Zn application positively affected all the parameters. The seed and stover yields were maximum with the foliar application of 0.50% Zn-EDTA at flowering and capsule formation stages which was statistically at par with the foliar application of 0.50% ZnSO₄ at flowering stage. The oil content showed a positive correlation with yield, while total antioxidant activity and free fatty acid content were positively and negatively correlated with Zn seed concentration. The net return and B:C ratio was highest (Rs. 41,069/ha and 2.30, respectively) with the treatment foliar application of ZnSO₄ (0.50%) at flowering followed by the foliar application of Zn-EDTA (0.50%) at flowering and capsule formation stages (Rs. 39,210/ha and 2.15, respectively). Overall it is concluded that the foliar application of ZnSO₄ (0.50%) at flowering stage was most efficient for obtaining the higher yield, Zn content, Zn uptake, higher net return and B:C ratio.

Keywords:

• biofortification
• capsule formation
• flowering
• foliar application
• linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)
• mineral-ZnSO₄.7H₂O
• quality parameters
• Zn-EDTA-chelate

Acknowledgments

The work of all the authors is fully acknowledged in the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests

Data availability statement

Data will be available to the readers on demand.