Abstract:
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the leading cereals, which rank first, both in acreage and
production among the grain crops of the world. However, its productivity is constrained by a
number of problems, among others- there is no use of micronutrients. A pot experiment was
therefore conducted at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center under greenhouse conditions
during the 2013/14 growing season, with the objective of investigating the response of bread wheat
to micronutrient applications. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design. The
treatments consisted of sole (Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn along with the recommended NP) and combined
applications (Cu+Zn, Cu+Mn, Cu+Fe, Zn+Mn, Zn+Fe, Fe+Mn, Cu+Zn+Mn, Cu+Zn+Fe,
Zn+Mn+Fe, Cu+Mn+Fe and Cu+Zn+Mn+Fe with recommended NP) and NP only. Foliar
applications were followed at the maximum recommended rates (1.12 kg/ha in 350 litter for Zn,
Cu, Mn and F; two times spray during tillering and before flowering). Results revealed that
micronutrient application had significant effect (P<0.05) on plant height, no of seed per spike,
thousand kernel weight, grain yield and harvest index. Better values were recorded for all yield
and yield components at the combined application of NP+Cu+Zn+Mn+Fe. Grain micronutrient
concentrations of Zn, Cu and Mn were high at the combined application of NP+Cu+Zn+Mn+Fe
compared to their concentration in the straw. Straw Fe concentrations were higher compared to
grain Fe concentrations. It could therefore be concluded that micronutrient application had
positive effect on wheat growth and yield under the greenhouse conditions. However, verifying the
positive effects of micronutrient in the field condition is suggested to come up with conclusive
recommendations.
