Micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn) foliar spray for increasing salinity tolerance in wheat Triticum aestivum L.

Abstract

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of foliar application of micronutrient compound on improving wheat (var. Gemiza 3) for salt tolerance. Two concentrations (0.10 and 0.15%) of suspension micronutrient compound containing Fe, Mn, Zn in ratios 1:1:1 in concentration 2.8:2.8:2.8% were sprayed. Levels of NaCl (0-1000-2000-5000 ppm) were applied to irrigation water. Results revealed that growth and nutrients uptake were reduced with increasing NaCl concentration ,Na was increased, while K, Ca, P, N as well as K/Na, Mg/Na ratios, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu also were decreased as salinity levels increased. Foliar spraying with suspension micronutrient induced stimulatory effects on growth parameters and nutrients uptake either before or after the salinization treatments.The results of this study suggest that foliar spray with micronutrient may have a potential role for increasing wheat tolerance to salinity stress.   Key words: salinity stress, foliar spray, Fe, Mn, Zn, salinity tolerance, wheat.