Zinc is a vital micronutrient for plant growth and plays an important role in various biochemical processes in plants. Zinc deficiency in wheat is a major concern worldwide, particularly in the areas where soil zinc is low and the crop is heavily dependent on rainfed agriculture.
The following are some possible ways to control zinc deficiency in wheat:
1. Soil application of zinc: Soil application of zinc fertilizers, such as zinc sulfate, is an effective way to alleviate zinc deficiency in wheat. The application can be done in pre-sowing, basal, or top-dressing stages. Soil application in around the root zone is more efficient than broadcasting it.
2. Foliar application of zinc: Foliar spray of zinc sulfate on the plant leaves is an efficient way to increase the zinc uptake by plants and to improve the grain yield. Foliar application can be done at the vegetative and reproductive stages of wheat.
3. Crop rotation: Crop rotation can reduce the severity of zinc deficiency in wheat. Legumes, such as chickpea and soybean, can fix atmospheric nitrogen and improve soil fertility which helps in improving the availability of zinc to wheat.
4. Use of zinc-enriched fertilizers: The use of zinc-enriched fertilizers can help in improving the zinc content of the soil and thus alleviate zinc deficiency in wheat. Slow-release zinc fertilizers can maintain the availability of zinc throughout the crop season and thereby improve yield and quality.
5. Molecular breeding: Molecular breeding techniques such as marker-assisted selection can improve the genetic potential of wheat to uptake and use zinc more efficiently. This can lead to the development of wheat cultivars that are more tolerant to zinc deficiency.
In conclusion, the control of zinc deficiency in wheat requires a combination of soil and foliar application of zinc, crop rotation, and the use of zinc-enriched fertilizers. Additionally, the development of wheat cultivars that are more tolerant to zinc deficiency through molecular breeding techniques can provide long-term solutions to this major challenge in wheat production.