Potentials of nano-ZnO as a Zinc Source for Correcting Zinc Deficiency and Zinc Biofortification in Rice

Authors

  • Virginia Isabelle Mapa
  • Pearl Sanchez
  • Nicola Louise Timbas
  • Pompe Sta. Cruz

Keywords:

biofortification, nano fertilizer, zinc deficiency, zinc oxide

Abstract

Zinc deficiency in the human population is highly correlated to zinc deficiency in soils and in staples including rice. One way to correct zinc deficiency and increase grain zinc is to apply zinc fertilizers. This study aimed to establish the potentials of nano-ZnO and bulk ZnO, compared to ZnSO4, as zinc fertilizer applied through the soil, foliar, and combined soil-foliar application. An optimization experiment for nano-ZnO was conducted and established 1% as the best concentration of nano-ZnO foliar spray. Comparison among treatments revealed that nano-ZnO resulted in a higher grain yield when applied as foliar spray than bulk ZnO and ZnSO4. In terms of grain and total Zn uptake, nano-ZnO fared as well as ZnSO4, and better than bulk ZnO when the application was done by foliar or combined soil+foliar application, but not when soil-applied due to reactions in the soil. The benefits of nano-ZnO were also shown to be supported by an indirect effect of P uptake which showed a significant positive correlation with grain yield. The most effective method to correct zinc deficiency and increase grain zinc in rice using nano-ZnO is foliar application alone or in combination with soil application.

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Published

2023-08-09

Issue

Section

Articles