Influence of fe and zn on vegetative morphology and growth parameters of barley (hordeum vulgare l.)

The present study was spread over investigation concerned with the effect of Fe and Zn singly or in combination on morphological characteristics of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)” var. K-125 (Azad) was performed during Nov. 2009 to April 2011 at Christ Church College, Kanpur. The most effective treatment of Fe + Zn in form of inorganic salts FeSO4 and ZnSO4 was compared with its chelated form (Fe – EDTA + Zn + EDTA). Seeds of Hordeum vulgare L. were soaked in 20, 40 and 60 ppm of Fe, Zn, their combinations i.e. Fe20 + Zn20, Fe20 + Zn40, Fe40 + Zn20, Fe40 + Zn40 and Fe + Zn (chelated) and three sprays at intervals of 14 days, the first spray being 20 DAS (days after sowing). The observation revealed that vegetative morphology and growth parameters were highly promoted by all treatments of Fe and Zn. Among the three concentrations of Fe applied alone Fe20 ppm was the best dose for inducing maximum growth parameters. When Zn was applied alone it was Zn40 which promoted the better growth except height. A comparison of Fe and Zn showed that effect of Zn was always better in increasing all the vegetative morphology and growth parameters except biomass duration. Treatments of Fe60 and Zn60 were less effective in increasing all growth parameters. Among the combined treatments of Fe and Zn it was Fe20 + Zn40 which shows maximum favourable effects on vegetative morphology and growth parameters this combined form (Fe20 + Zn40) was then compared with the chelated form of Fe and Zn i.e. Fe-EDTA and Zn-EDTA. The promotory effect with the latter application was significantly more than the former application. On the basis of the results one can conclude that soluble inorganic salts in low doses are generally as effective as synthetic chelate in foliar sprays.