Zinc bioavailability in maize grains in response of phosphorous–zinc interaction

Abstract

Phosphorous (P) and zinc (Zn) are plant nutrients that interact with each other in soil–plant systems. Such interactions may cause deficiency of one of the nutrients interacting with each other if interactions are antagonistic. In the present trial, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effect of Zn (0 and 16 kg ha−1) and P (0 and 60 kg ha−1) on growth, yield and grain Zn concentration of two maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes, i.e., Neelam (local) and DK‐6142 (hybrid). Growth and yield of both maize genotypes were increased by the application of Zn and P treatments compared with control, but Zn+P was more effective than their sole application. When compared to control, combined application of Zn+P increased grain Zn and P concentrations by 52% and 32%, respectively, averaged for the two genotypes. Single application of P decreased grain Zn concentration by 10% over control. Application of P and Zn particularly in combination decreased the grain [phytate] : [Zn] ratio and increased the estimated human Zn bioavailability in grains based on a trivariate model of Zn absorption in both maize genotypes. Conclusively, combined Zn+P application appeared more suitable for enhancing grain yield and agronomic Zn biofortification in maize grains. However, Zn fertilization aiming at increasing grain yield and grain Zn concentration should consider the genotypic variations and P rate.

Zinc Homeostasis and isotopic fractionation in plants: a review

“…In the same study, Zn concentration in leaves decreased with increasing P availability. Similar antagonistic interaction between Zn and P has been repeatedly observed in the literature (Imran et al 2016;Zhang et al 2016). This suggests that P availability could affect the Zn isotopic composition of the plant by increasing the proportion of Zn taken up in form of Zn complexes with OA.…”

Zinc biofortification of maize (Zea mays L.): Status and challenges

“…However, effectiveness of trivariate zinc absorption model depends on the information of daily phytate and zinc intake. Based on the Millers’ model, zinc bioavailability was found to vary from 1.2 to 1.5 mg/300 g of grain for different maize genotypes (Imran, Rehim, Sarwar, & Hussain, ). Zinc absorption requirement for adult human is 3 mg/day (Institute of Medicine, ).…”

Exploring the role of zinc fertilization methods for agronomic bio-fortification and its impact on phenology, growth and yield characteristics of maize

“…Most of Pakistani soils are deficient in Zn i.e. the available Zn concentration is less than 1.0 mg kg -1 (IMRAN et al, 2016;MAQSOOD et al, 2015). Therefore, this study was performed to determine the…”

“…Most of Pakistani soils are deficient in Zn i.e. the available Zn concentration is less than 1.0 mg kg -1 (IMRAN et al, 2016;MAQSOOD et al, 2015). Therefore, this study was performed to determine the effectiveness of various fertilization methods of Zn application on phenology, growth and yield characteristics of maize hybrids.…”