Effect of Foliar Application of Zinc on Seed Yield and Quality of Dry-land Wheat, in Hashtrood

Malnutrition due to low micro-nutrients content in cereals and lack of diversity of food stuffs are serious health problem in developing countries, including Iran. Due to the important nutritive role of wheat in these countries, researchers are trying to produce wheat grains with higher nutrients contents like iron, zinc, ascorbic acid and protein, along with low phytic acid content and Zn/PA ratio to limit malnutrition. Because of significant role of Zn on the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins; the effects of foliar application of Zn on the quality and yield of wheat grains was studied. In this study six wheat cultivars were planted at a farm in Tastaghar village located in Hashtrood county, during early fall of 2016 in split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design. Treatments used were six wheat cultivars (Baran, Tak-Ab, Sardari, Ohadi, Homa and Azar 2) and leaf foliar application of Zn with four levels (control, during beginning of stem elongation and stem elongation+anthesis stages). Zn foliar treatments were applied in the evenings by a portable pump sprayer. The results revealed that the foliar application of Zn increased seed yields of the cultivars under study. Moreover, protein, Zn and ascorbic acid content of the seed were also increased significantly (P≤%5). However, phytic acid content and Zn/PA ratio were decreased as compared to control. Overall it can be said that, foliar application of Zn had positive impact on the seed yield, proteins, Zn and ascorbic acid contents. It can be concluded that the foliar application of Zn on wheat would improve the seed yield and some qualities of wheat cultivars. It would be advisable to extend continuing this kind of studies to overcome malnutrition problems of area. Further studis is recommended to substantiate the results.