Role of Temporal Zn Fertilization along with Zn Solubilizing Bacteria in Enhancing Zinc Content, Uptake, and Zinc Use Efficiency in Wheat Genotypes and Its Implications for Agronomic Biofortification

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a vital cereal crop for food security in Pakistan. In Zn-deficient soils, its productivity and quality suffer, affecting grain yield, Zn bioavailability, and nutrition, which can lead to malnutrition. Field experiments were conducted using factorial randomized block design at the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) Tarnab, Peshawar, Pakistan to evaluate the impact of wheat genotypes (G1-TRB-72-311 synthetic hexaploid, G2-TRB-89-348 advanced line, and G3-Pirsabak-19-approved variety), Zn application methods (AM1: no Zn application, AM2: seed priming with 0.5% Zn, AM3: soil application of 10 kg ha−1 Zn, and AM4: foliar application of 0.5% Zn), and the experiment also explored the use of ZSB (BF1: with bacteria, BF0: without bacteria) to cope with Zn deficiency. The study revealed significant impacts on wheat’s Zn content, uptake, and nutrient efficiency, arising from genotypes variance, Zn application approaches, and ZSB. TRB-72-311 synthetic hexaploid genotype with 0.5% foliar Zn and ZSB excelled, enhancing grain (17.8%) and straw Zn (23.1%), increasing total Zn uptake (55.0%), reducing grain phytic acid (11.7%), and boosting Zn-related efficiencies in wheat. These results prompt further discussion regarding the potential implications for agricultural practices. In conclusion, utilizing the TRB-72-311 genotype with 0.5% foliar Zn application and ZSB enhances wheat’s Zn content, uptake, grain quality, and addresses malnutrition.

Temporal Synchronization of Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilization: Impacts on Nutrient Uptake, Use Efficiency, Productivity, and Relationships with Other Micronutrients in Soybean

“…This suggests that N and S application can contribute to the biofortification of soybean seeds. Agronomic biofortification, recognized as a potent strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiency in plants [22], underscores the significance of N supply as a crucial element in augmenting the levels of Zn and Fe in crops [42]. Nfertilization is known to not only increase wheat grain yield, but also to facilitate the uptake of Fe and Zn by wheat grain [41,43].…”

“…The presence of a high amount of N in wheat seed layers suggests that protein-rich seeds accumulate more Zn and Fe levels [20]. High N and Zn supply significantly enhances the Zn contents in seeds, surpassing the current breeding targets [21,22]. Hence, top-dressing N during early reproductive stages proves beneficial for improving nutrient uptake and use efficiency.…”