Effect of Different Levels of Zinc and Boron Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Wheat

ABSTRACT

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) fertilization on the growth and grain yield of wheat (BARI Gom-26). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, comprising four foliar Zn levels (0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06%) and four soil-applied B levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg ha⁻¹). Growth, yield components, and grain yield were significantly influenced by both micronutrients. Among the individual Zn treatments, 0.04% Zn produced the tallest plants (80.26 cm) and the highest grain yield (2.73 t ha⁻¹), while the control recorded the lowest values. Similarly, the application of 1.0 kg B ha⁻¹ resulted in the maximum plant height (80.02 cm) and grain yield (2.79 t ha⁻¹). Significant interaction effects were also observed, with the combined application of 0.04% Zn and 1.0 kg B ha⁻¹ producing the highest plant height (83.56 cm) and grain yield (3.27 t ha⁻¹). In contrast, the control treatment without Zn and B showed the poorest performance. The findings indicate that balanced application of Zn and B, particularly 0.04% Zn and 1.0 kg B ha⁻¹, effectively enhances wheat growth and productivity, with boron exerting a greater influence on yield than zinc.

Keywords: Micronutrients; Grain yield; Foliar application; Growth attributes; Yield components; BARI Gom-26.