AGRONOMIC ZINC BIO-FORTIFICATION IN RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Malnutrition is major problem for the increasing global mortality and micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most critical problem, affecting almost one third of world population causing mental problems, failure of immune system and high death rates. In most countries, Zn deficiency occurs due to low dietary Zn consumption. For improving Zn concentration in rice grains, a research experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of bio fortification of rice with Zn under different productions systems at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Experiment was designed under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement having three replications. The experiment was comprised of two factors viz production systems direct seeded rice (DSR) and puddled transplanted rice and Zn application methods (No application, hydro-priming, Zn priming, Zn coating, soil application and Zn foliar application). During the crop growth period, yield and quality parameters were recorded to check the response of Zn in rice. Results confirmed that zinc bio-fortification have showed maximum plant height (103.57 cm), biological yield (11.23 t ha-1), grain yield (4.83 t ha-1) with zinc seed priming in puddled transplanted rice system. 1000 grain weight (19.41 g) was maximum with foliar zinc spray in puddled transplanted rice system while straw yield (6.64 t ha-1) was maximum in hydro priming of direct seeded rice. For the quality parameters maximum kernel (34.47 mg kg-1) zinc contents were found in foliar application of puddled transplanted rice and maximum straw (31.40 mg kg-1) were recorded in soil application of direct seeded rice. Results suggested that zinc seed priming with puddled transplanted rice is best and suitable for best quality rice production in very economical way.