Effects of foliar application of FeSO4 and ZnSO4 on leaf tissue nutrients of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) varieties under protected condition

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of foliar application of FeSO4 and ZnSO4 on leaf tissue nutrients of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) varieties under protected condition during 2010-11. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications and 18 treatment combinations, comprising three varieties of gerbera, viz. Faro (V1), Dana Allen (V2), Roselin (V3) and six levels of micronutrients, i.e. control (M1), FeSO4 @ 0.2% (M2), FeSO4 @ 0.3% (M3), ZnSO4 @ 0.2% (M4), ZnSO4 @ 0.3% (M5) and FeSO4 + ZnSO4 @ 0.2% each (M6). The present results have shown that the maximum increasing range of nutrients content in leaves as 45.00 to 69.71 ppm, 26.50 to 62.76 ppm, 2.60 to 4.83% and 3.36 to 5.45% of total Fe, Zn, N and K content in leaves, respectively was observed in variety V2 (Dana Allen) from 1st to 12th month of gerbera, while the minimum range of nutrients 43.53 to 67.50 ppm, 25.17 to 61.17 ppm, 2.49 to 4.61% and 3.22 to 5.26% of total Fe, Zn, N and K content in leaves, respectively was noted in variety V1; (Faro) from 1st to 12th month of gerbera. Similarly, variety V2 (Dana Allen) gave lowest decrease range (0.94 to 0.50%) of total P content in leaves and variety V1 (Faro) gave highest decreasing range (0.87 to 0.21%) of total P content in leaves from 1st to 12th month of gerbera plant. The treatment M6 (FeSO4 + ZnSO4 @ 0.2% each) was noted highest increasing range of nutrient content in leaves as 45.67 to 70.39 ppm, 27.00 to 62.78 ppm, 2.64 to 4.76% and 3.42 to 5.57% of Fe, Zn, N and K content in leaf during 1st to 12th month of gerbera plant.

The Growth of Biofortified Mustard Green Plants with Iron and Zinc through Foliar Spray

“…Similarly, in the Zn 0 g/L treatment with various combinations of Fe concentrations, the highest average number of leaves was observed. This aligns with the findings of a study [22] where simultaneous application of Fe and Zn at concentrations of 0.2% each increased the number of leaves in herbs compared to control plants. An increasing number of leaves in plants can enhance plant growth because the process of photosynthesis improves, leading to increased photosynthetic yield as well [23].…”

“…For example, if plant height increases, there is also an increase in the number of leaves and leaf area leading to an increase in fresh weight and dry weight of the plant. aligns with the findings of a study on herbs where spraying with Fe and Zn increased several growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, and dry weight) due to the enhanced metabolic processes facilitated by the roles of Fe and Zn [22].…”

“…The similar results were also found in research on brassica microgreens vegetables, giving Fe to brassica microgreens vegetables through hydroponics with concentrations of up to 40 mg/L decreased fresh weight because of the possible toxic effects of Fe or it can be said that too high Fe will not be beneficial to plants, but the addition of Fe did not show damage to plants [5]. In contrast to research on Gerbera jamesonii plants sprayed with Fe at 0.2% and 0.3% showed greater fresh weight than the control [22].…”

“…This is similar to research on lettuce biofortified with the Zn aeroponic method [30] which showed an increase in fresh weight of about 12-20% at doses of 25 and 50 mMol -1 but the application of Zn above 50mMol -1 decreased the fresh weight of lettuce. Overall biofortification of Fe and Zn can increase plant fresh weight or decrease fresh weight if, at the wrong concentration, Fe and Zn are microelements that have an important role in vegetative growth so that they will encourage growth parameters resulting in increased fresh weight [22]. The fresh weight of plants is also related to the number of leaves and the height of the plant.…”

Critical Analysis on Effect of Micronutrients on Flowering Plants: A Review

“…A micronutrient is an element that is necessary for all higher plants but whose accumulation and requirement are both relatively low. It is typically measured in milligrammes per kilogramme of soil or biomass or in grammes per hectare [2]. Due to their advantageous nutritional support, micronutrients are currently gradually gaining popularity among flower growers and simultaneously make better harvests and returns.…”