Effect of different methods of zinc application on yield and quality of flue cured virginia Tobacco

摘要

An experiment was conducted to find out the response of various methods of Zn application on the final produce and quality of the cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L.) variety T.M 2008. Four different application methods i.e. Soil application at (3 and 6 kg Zn ha -1), Foliar spray ?(0.25 and 0.5 kg Zn-1), root dipping (2% and 5% Zn suspension) at the time of transplantation and Fertigation (3 and 6 kg Zn-1) were used. The plot without Zn was regarded as control. Zn was taken from ZnSO4 along with Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash in the form of compound fertilizer i.e. NPK (12:15:20). The data showed that maximum K concentration in leaf (34.43 g kg-1), Zn in leaf (3.27 g kg-1), nicotine content (2.81%), total sugars (15.51%) and chloride content (0.91%) were recorded in soil D2 treatment. Maximum green leaf yield (17190 kg ha-1) and leaf yield after curing (3228 kg ha-1) were recorded in soil D1 treatment while foliar D2 gave favorable leaf yield after curing (17120 kg ha-1). The application of 6 kg ha -1 Zn enhanced the K uptake and Zn in tobacco leaves as well as nicotine content and total sugars, while 3 kg ha-1 improved green leaf and leaf yield after curing. Conclusively, 3 kg as well as 6 kg Zn -1 in soil is the optimum method of fertilizer application and can be recommended for higher yield and quality in tobacco leaves.