In collaboration with Scientific Association of Iranian Medicinal Plants

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 M.Sc. graduated, Department of Horticulture and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

2 Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

3 Department of Horticulture and Landscape, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran

Abstract

To study the effects of foliar application of Zn element via nano- and chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plant bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis L.), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Institute of Zabol University in 2019. Experimental treatments included foliar application of zinc nano-chelate at two concentrations (1000 and 2000 mg L-1), zinc sulfate at two concentrations (1000 and 2000 mg L-1), and control (water foliar application). The results showed that foliar application of Zn had a significant effect on the yield and number of fruits per plant, and the seed phenol content with the highest amount of these traits in zinc nano-chelate treatment at the concentration of 2000 mg L-1. Also, Zn foliar application increased the seed soluble carbohydrate content with the highest amount of this index in zinc nano-chelate treatment at the concentration of 1000 mg L-1. Zinc foliar application increased the concentration of Zn element in the leaves, while it did not affect the concentrations of N, P, and K elements. Generally, the application of zinc nano-chelate was more effective on the yield and number of fruits per plant, and seed phenol content than zinc sulfate. 

Keywords

Main Subjects

- Agrawal, S. and Rathore, P., 2014. Nanotechnology pros and cons to agriculture: A review. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science, 3: 43-55.
- Akay, A., 2011. Effect of zinc fertilizer applications on yield and element contents of some registered chickpeas varieties. African Journal of Biotechnology, 10(60): 12890-12896.
- Azizi, K., Norouzian, A., Heydari, S. and Yaghubi, M., 2011. The study of effect of zinc and boron foliar application on yield, yield components, seed oil and protein content and growth indices of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) in Khorramabad climatic conditions. Journal of Agronomy Science, 3(5): 1-16.
- Brennan, R.F., 2001. Residual value of zinc fertilizer for production of wheat. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 41: 541-547.
- Cakmak, I., Kalaycı, M., Ekiz, H., Braun, H.J., Kılınç, Y. and Yılmaz, A., 1999. Zinc deficiency as a practical problem in plant and human nutrition in Turkey: a NATO-science for stability project. Field Crops Research, 60: 175-188.
- Chapman, H.D. and Pratt, P.F., 1961. Methods of Analysis for Soils, Plants and Water. University of California, Berkeley, CA, U.S.A., 309p.
- Davarpanah, S., Tehranifar, A., Davarynejad, G., Abadía, J. and Khorasani, R., 2016. Effects of foliar applications of zinc and boron nano-fertilizers on pomegranate (Punica granatum cv. Ardestani) fruit yield and quality. Scientia Horticulturae, 210: 57-64.
- Dubois, M., Gilles, K.A., Hamilton, J.K., Rebers, P.T. and Smith, F., 1956. Colorimetric method for determination of sugars and related substances. Analytical Chemistry, 28: 350-356.
- El-Din, G.K.M. 2005. Physiological response of fenugreek plant to heat hardening and zinc. Egyptian Journal of Applied Sciences, 20: 400-411.
- El-Hak, R.E.S.A., El-Said, S.A.E.A., El-Shazly, A.A.E.F., El-Gazzar, M., Shaaban, E.A.E.A. and Saleh, M.M.S., 2019. Efficiency of nano-zinc foliar spray on growth, yield and fruit quality of flame seedless grape. Journal of Applied Sciences, 19(6): 612-617.
- El-Tohamy, W.A. and El-Greadly, N.H.M., 2007. Physiological responses, growth, yield and quality of snap beans in response to foliar application of yeast, vitamin E and zinc under sandy soil conditions. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 1(3): 294-299.
- Emami, A., 1996. Analytical Methods for the Plant. Technical Publication, the Education Research and Agricultural Extension, Soil and Water Research Institute, 546p.
- Fallahi, A., Hassani, A. and Sefidkon, F., 2016. Effect of foliar application of different zinc sources on yield and phytochemical characteristics of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 32(5): 743-757.
- Rostami, Gh., Moghaddam, M., Pirbalouti, A.Gh. and Tehranifar, A., 2018. The effects of iron and zinc spraying in sulfate and nano forms on morphological and biochemical properties of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under salinity stress. Environmental stresses in criop sciences, 11(3): 707-720.
- Hassani, M., Zamani, Z. Savaghebi, G. and Fatahi, R., 2012. Effects of zinc and manganese as foliar spray on pomegranate yield, fruit quality and leaf minerals. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 12(3): 471-480.
- Ishimaru, Y., Suzuki, M., Kobayashi, T., Takahashi, M., Nakanishi, H., Mori, S. and Nishizawa, N.K., 2005. OsZIP-4, a novel zinc-regulated zinc transporter in rice. Journal of Experimental Botany, 56: 3207-3214.
- Joshi, N.L., Mali, P.C. and Saxena, A., 1998. Effect of nitrogen and sulphur application on yield and fatty acid composition of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) oil. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 180: 59-63.
- Khiavi, M., Khorshidi, M.B., Ismaeili, M., Azarabadi, S., Faramarzi, A. and Emaratpardaz, J., 2010. Effect of foliar application of boron and zinc on yield and some qualitative characteristics of two rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars. Water and Soil Science, 20(3): 31-45.
- Liscano, J.F., Wilson, C.E., Norman, R.J. and
Slaton, N.A., 2000. Zinc availability to rice from seven granular fertilizers. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, 963: 1-31.
- Malekooti, M. and Homai, M., 2004. Soil Fertility in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions "Problems and Solutions". Universitu of Tarbiat Modares press, 518p.
- Marschner, H., 1995. Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. Academic Press Limited, London, England, 887p.
- Meena, R.P., Mohammad, S. and Lakhawat, S.S., 2005. Effect of foliar application of urea and zinc sulphate on fruit quality and yield of pruned guava trees (Psidium guajava L. cv. Sardar) under high density planting system. Udyanika, 11(2): 90-93.
- Miransari, H., Mehrafarin, A. and Naghdi Badi, H., 2015. Morphophysiological and phytochemical responses of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) to foliar application of iron sulfate and zinc sulfate. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2(54): 15-29.
- Misra, A., Srivastava, A.K., Srivastava, N.K. and Khan, A., 2005. Zn-acquisition and its role in growth, photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigments and biochemical changes in essential monoterpene oil(s) of Pelargonium graveolens. Photosynthetica, 43(1): 153-155.
- Moghimi Pour, Z., Mahmoodi Sourestani, M., Alamzade Ansari, N. and Ramezani, Z., 2014. Effects of foliar application of nano zinc chelate and zinc sulfate on chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters, essential oil content and yield of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum). 3rd National Congress on Medicinal Plants, Mashhad, Iran, 14-15 May: 266.
- Monica, R.C. and Cremonini, R., 2009. Nanoparticles and higher plants. Caryologia, 62(2): 161-165.
- Moradi Telavat, M.R., Roshan, F. and Siadat, S.A., 2015. Effect of foliar application of zinc sulfate on minerals contenet, seed and oil yields of two safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Iranian Journal of Crop Sciences, 17(2): 153-164.
- Mosanna, R. and Khalilvand Behrozyar, E., 2015. Morpho- physiological response of maize (Zea mays L.) to zinc nano-chelate foliar and soil application at different growth stages. Journal on New Biological Reports, 4: 46-50.
- Mousavi, S.R., 2011. Zinc in crop production and interaction with phosphorous. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 5(9): 1503-1509.
- Movahhedy-Dehnavy, M., Modarres-Sanavy, S.A.M. and Mokhtassi-Bidgoli, A., 2009. Foliar application of zinc and manganese improves seed yield and quality of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under water deficit stress. Industrial Crops and Products, 30(1): 82-92.
- Naderi, M.R. and Danesh-Shahraki, A., 2013. Nanofertilizers and their roles in sustainable agriculture. International Journal of Agriculture and Crop Sciences, 5: 2229-2232.
- Nasiri, Y., Zehtab-Salmasi, S., Nasrullahzadeh, S., Najafi, N. and Ghassemi-Golezani, K., 2010. Effects of foliar application of micronutrients (Fe and Zn) on flower yield and essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(17): 1733-1737.
- Norozi, M., ValizadehKaji, B., Karimi, R. and Nikoogoftar Sedghi, M., 2019. Effects of foliar application of potassium and zinc on pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) fruit yield. International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 6(1): 113-123.
- Pandey, N., Gupta, B. and Pathak, G.C., 2013a. Enhanced yield and nutritional enrichment of seeds of Pisum sativum L. through foliar application of zinc. Scientia Horticulturae, 164: 474-483.
- Pandey, N., Gupta, B. and Pathak, G.C., 2013b. Foliar application of Zn at flowering stage improves plant’s performance, yield and yield attributes of black gram. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 51(7): 548-55.
- Potarzycki, J. and Grzebisz, W., 2009. Effect of zinc foliar application on grain yield of maize and its yielding compone. Plant, Soil and Environment, 55(12): 519-527.
- Prasad, T.N.V., Sudhakar, P., Sreenivasulu, Y., Latha, P., Munaswamy, V., Raja Reddy, K., Sreeprasad, T.S., Sajanlal, P.R. and Pradeep, T., 2012. Effect of manoscale zinc oxide particles on the germination, growth and yield of peanut. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 35: 905-927.
- Ranjbar, G.A. and Bahmaniar, M.A., 2007. Effects of soil and foliar application of Zn fertilizer on yield and growth characteristics of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences, 6(6): 1000-1005.
- Rashid, M., Bhatti, A.U. and Khan, F.U. 2008. Physico-chemical properties and fertility status of soils of district Peshawar and Charsadda. Soil and Environment, 27: 228-235.
- Rostami, G., Moghaddam, M., Pirbalouti, A.G. and Tehranifar, A., 2018. The effects of iron and zinc spraying in sulfate and nano forms on morphological and biochemical properties of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under salinity stress. Environmental stresses in criop sciences, 11(3): 707-720.
- Saberi, M., Niknahad, H., Heshmati, G., Barani, H. and Shahriyari, A., 2018. Evaluation of the content and performance of some active ingredients extracts of Citrullus colocynthis organs from two habitats of Sistan and Balochestan province in different growth stages. Journal of Plant Ecosystem Conservation, 5(11): 49-63.
- Scott, N. and Chen, H., 2013. Nanoscale science and engineering for agriculture and food systems. Industrial Biotechnology, 9(1): 17-18.
- Seedkolai, F., Sadeghi, H. and Moradi, H., 2015. Effects of foliar applications of nitrogen, boron and zinc on auxin contents, fruit set and fruit drop in orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Thompson Navel. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science, 46(3): 367-373.
- Seif Sahandi, M., Mehrafarin, A., Khalighi-Sigaroodi, F. and Sharifi, M., 2019. Changes in essential oil content and composition of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) in responses to nitrogen application. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4 (72): 81-97.
- Sharaf, A.M., Farghal, I.I. and Sofy, M.R., 2009. Response of broad bean and lupin plants to foliar treatment with boron and zinc. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3(3): 2226-2231.
- Sinclair, T.R. and Jamieson, P.D., 2008. Yield and grain number of wheat: A correlation or causal relationship?: Authors’ response to “The importance of grain or kernel number in wheat: A reply to Sinclair and Jamieson” by RA Fischer. Field Crops Research, 105(1-2): 22-26.
- Slinkard, K. and Singleton, V.L., 1977. Total phenol analysis: automation and comparison with manual methods. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 28: 49-55.
- Sobhi Rostami, F. and Gholchin, A., 2011. The effects of different rates of N, Mn and Zn on yield and quality of pomegranate fruit in Mazandaran province. Journal of Horticulture Science, 25(2): 234-262.
- Song, C.Z., Liu, M.Y., Meng, J.F., Chi, M., Xi, Z.M. and Zhang, Z.W., 2015. Promoting effect of foliage sprayed zinc sulfate on accumulation of sugar and phenolics in berries of Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot growing on zinc deficient soil. Molecules, 20(2): 2536-2554.
- Suppan, S., 2013. Nanomaterials in soil, our future food chain? Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy.
- Tavakol Afshari, J., Rakhshandeh, H., Zamani, A., Mahdavishahri, N., Ghazizadeh, L., Nourouzi, M. and Vahedi, F., 2005. Cytotoxicity effects of Citrullus colocynthis on Hep2 and L929 cell lines. Hakim Health Systems Research, 8 (2):47-54.
- Venkatesan, S., Murugesan, S., Senthur Pandian, V.K. and Ganapathy, M.N.K. 2005. Impact of sources and doses of potassium on biochemical and green leaf parameters of tea. Food Chemistry, 90: 535 539.
- Wang, N. and Duan, J.K., 2006. Effects of variety and crude protein content on nutrients and anti-nutrients in lentil. Food chemistry, 95: 493-502.