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

Abstract

Agronomic biofortification of iron and zinc is important to increase iron and zinc content in mustard greens, because the amounts are still too small to meet the iron and zinc needs of the human body. However, the growth must be evaluated to determine the right concentration for iron and zinc biofortification in mustard greens that do not inhibit or are toxic to mustard growth. This study aims to evaluate the growth of mustard plants undergoing iron and zinc biofortification through foliar spray. The study was conducted in the Karanganyar screen house using a randomized block design with 2 factors (Fe-EDTA and Zn-EDTA, each concentration 0; 0.2; 0.4; and 0.6 g/L). Based on the result, there was an interaction between Fe and Zn concentrations in the number of leaves and leaf area. It also showed a positive correlation between all growth parameters. Spraying of Fe and Zn with a concentration of 0.2-0.6 g/L does not inhibit or be toxic for the growth of mustard green plants, but the spraying of Fe and Zn has not been able to produce better mustard green growth because there is no significant increase in mustard green growth compared to the control plant.