Iron and Zinc Bio-Fortification Strategies in Wheat Crop by Exogenous Application of Micronutrients

Abstract

Under nutrition or nutrient deficiency is a major concern in third world, and is an underlying cause for millions of deaths each year. Biofortification is an important technique to increase the concentration of trace mineral elements in the grain which improve the nutritional value of cereal and solve health problems in poorer areas of world. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the biofortification potential of wheat crop by exogenously applied micro nutrients (Fe & Zn). Soil and foliar application with two levels of Fe and Zn (2 mg kg^-1 and 4 mg kg^-1) were applied according to CRD under factorial design. Results showed that soil application of Fe and Zn at 4 mg kg^-1 is significant effect on plant available nutrients and nutrient concentration in wheat straw and grain. Application of micronutrients also increased and improved growth parameters.

Keywords: Wheat, Zinc, Iron, Biofortification, Plant Nutrient.