Environ Exp Biol (2016) 14: 151–156

Effect of seed priming and foliar application with micronutrients on quality of forage corn (Zea mays)

Abstract

The effect of seed priming and foliar application with micronutrients zinc and iron (in both nano- and chemical formulations) on quality of forage corn (Zea mays L.) under field and greenhouse conditions was studied during two years. Seed priming and foliar spraying were performed with six treatments: nano-iron chelate, nano-zinc, chemical iron chelate, chemical zinc fertilizer, distilled water and control. Results indicated that both forms of iron fertilizer increased leaf chlorophyll concentration, compared to other spraying treatments and the control. The highest plant height, total dry biomass, crude protein, soluble carbohydrates and phosphorus uptake were obtained in the nano-iron spraying treatment. Significant improvement in leaf chlorophyll concentration, plant height, total dry matter, crude protein and soluble carbohydrates occurred as a result of spraying with both forms of zinc, but more evident for the nano-zinc treatment, compared with the control. Further studies are needed to elucidate the optimum timing of application, mode of action and critical range of nano zinc and iron concentrations. Aplication of nano-forms of fertilizers, compared to chemical forms of fertilizers, increased the phosphorus concentration, biomass, and crude protein and soluble carbohydrate concentration.