Foliar Application of Zinc and Potassium Mitigates the Effect of Salt Stress on Wheat

Abstract

Foliar application is a promising agronomic strategy because it involves direct adsorption and loading of nutrients from the leaf surface to the phloem in a short period and in comparatively far less quantity than soil applications. Potassium and zinc are essential elements required for plant growth, metabolism and development and that plays a pivotal role in plant adaptation and tolerance to salt stress. The objective of this study was to the evaluation of foliar spray with Zn and most suitable form of K-fertilization to improve growth and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum L, var Sakha 93) under salinity conditions. The experimental design was a split-plot with three replicates, the treatments can be described as two concentrations of zinc foliar application (0 and 300 mg L -1 Zn-EDTA) as the main plots and the sub plots involved the five sources of Kfertilization :i.e. 1-Without spraying (control treatment) , 2-K-sulphate, 3-K-humate, 4-K-silicate and 5-mono K-phosphate as foliar spray a rate of 2 g L -1 . The results revealed that growth performance, chlorophyll content, yield and its component, nutrient status of wheat grains as well as total carbohydrate and protein significantly due to Zn-EDTA foliar application. Moreover, spraying with potassium silicate and humate was the most effective under saline condition to improve the mentioned parameters. Accordingly, it was concluded that foliar application with potassium silicate or potassium humate in presence of Zn-EDTA were optimum for achieving higher yield of wheat under conditions of salt stress.