Effect of zinc sulphate as foliar application on the yield and quality of maize

Zinc shortage is the leading problem in the world, resulting in the reduction of maize yield. Therefore, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of zinc sulphate as foliar application on the yield and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) The treatments were: Control, one water spray at 4-5 leaves stage, one foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO₄ at 4-5 leaves stage, two water sprays (1st at 4-5 leaves stage and 2nd after one week), two foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO4 (1^st at 4-5 leaves stage and 2^nd after one week), three water sprays (1^st at 4-5 leaves stage 2^nd and 3^rd after one-week interval) and three foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO₄ (1^st at 4-5 leaves stage and 2^nd and 3^rd after one-week interval). Data regarding various parameters showed that three foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO₄ (1^st at 4-5 leaves stage 2^nd and 3^rd after one-week interval) gave significantly higher plant height (159.73cm), 1000- grain weight (294.90), number of grains per cob (401.83), grain yield (6.10 t ha^-1), biological yield (16.58t ha^-1) harvest index (36.78%) and protein content (10.02%). The maximum economic return (Rs.71742 ha^-1) for maize hybrid-6525 under agroecological conditions of Faisalabad was obtained where three foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO₄ (1^st at 4-5 leaves stage 2^nd and 3^rd after one-week interval) were applied. So, keeping in view the above stated results, it can be concluded that, higher yield, quality and more economic benefit can be obtained by applying the three foliar sprays of 0.5% ZnSO₄ under agro climatic conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan.