Effects of foliar application of zinc on germination energy of alfalfa seed and share of hard seeds

Abstract

In three year study, the influence of foliar application of zinc on seed germination energy and share of hard alfalfa seeds was examined. The experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the Institute of Forage Crops, Kruševac. The soil on which the trial was conducted is of weakly acidic reaction and zinc content which is considered adequate. Zinc fertilization was performed by foliar split application. In the investigation years, meteorological factors showed large variations. Treatment with zinc achieved on average slightly higher germination energy, but differences were not statistically significant. Zinc fertilization had no effect on the number of hard seeds. Climatic conditions had impact on the germination energy and the proportion of hard seeds.

Keywords

• alfalfa
• zinc
• germination energy
• hard seeds