Impact of foliar application of iron and zinc fertilizers on grain iron, zinc, and protein contents in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Cultivars exhibited a slight increase in GFeC with solitary foliar applications of FeSO₄, ZnSO₄, and their combination. In contrast, a significant increase in GZnC was observed with the foliar application of ZnSO₄ and the combined application of FeSO₄ and ZnSO₄. In terms of GPC, the most significant enhancement occurred with the foliar application of FeSO₄, followed by ZnSO₄ and their combination. Data demonstrated the significant effect of foliar application of ZnSO₄ on enhancing GZnC by 39.6%. Large plot experiments also exhibited an increase of 40.3% in GZnC through the foliar application of ZnSO₄, indicating the effectiveness of the technology to be adopted in the farmer's field.