A comparative evaluation of the effects of seed invigoration treatments with precursor zinc salt and nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) particles on vegetative growth, grain yield, and quality characteristics of Zea mays

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The zinc micronutrient fertilizers have a critical impact on the grain productivity and quality attributes of maize. However, the low use-efficiency issues of the applied Zn-fertilizers are required to be addressed through the development of novel formulations and alternative application techniques. Objectives This field study investigates the comparative impact of seed invigoration (including seed priming and coating) treatments with bulk zinc and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Methods The two seed treatments with two different zinc sources at three different concentrations of 0, 20, and 40 mg L−1 each, for a total of ten treatments, were evaluated for vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigments, grain yield, and quality traits in Zea mays. Results The total chlorophyll content was improved by ZnONPs seed priming at the V8 stage. However, there were plants that grew tall, bearing longer ears with bulk ZnSO4 and the untreated control. Yield-contributing factors like number of seeds per cob, and 1000-grain weight were marginally improved by ZnONPs treatment. Overall, only cob weight, starch, total soluble protein, and soil nutrient (N, P, K, and Zn) content were significantly enhanced by ZnONPs treatment. Furthermore, no negative effect was recorded on the soil microbiological and enzymatic activities seed treatment with both the zinc sources. Conclusion The seed treatment, i.e. coating and priming with ZnONPs, did not significantly alter the grain yield, but the seed starch and total soluble protein content were improved.

Keywords

• Seed priming and coating
• Soil nutrient
• Yield characters
• Zea mays
• ZnO NPs