Response of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) To micronutrient Application under greenhouse conditions at kulumsa, south East Ethiopia

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.