Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology

Abstract

Foliar Phosphorus and Zinc Application Improve Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Moisture Stress conditions in Semi-Arid Climates

Amanullah, Amir Saleem, Asif Iqbal and Shah Fahad

Foliar fertilizers application is beneficial for improving growth, yield and yield components of field crops under moisture stress condition in semiarid climates. Field experiment was conducted to study the response of dryland maize (Zea mays L., cv. Azam) to foliar phosphorus (1, 2 and 3% P) and zinc levels (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% Zn) and their application time (T1=at boot stage and T2=at silking stage) at the Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar during summer 2014. The experiment was conducted under moisture stress condition (with three irrigations only: 1st at emergence, 2nd at knee height and third at seed development stage). The results revealed that foliar treated plots (rest) had significantly (P<0.05) better growth, higher yield components and grain yield than control (no foliar spray). Plots applied with 3% foliar P had improved growth and resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher yield and yield components. Yield and yield components of maize increased significantly (P<0.05) with 0.3% foliar Zn application. Maize growth, yield and yield components also increased significantly (P<0.05) when foliar nutrients were applied at early stage (booting) than late (silking) application. It was concluded from this study that application of 3% foliar P+0.3% foliar Zn at boot stage improve growth and increase maize productivity and profitability under moisture stress condition in semiarid climates.