Genotypic Response of Finger Millet to Zinc and Iron Agronomic Biofortification, Location and Slope Position Towards Yield

Senbetu, Demeke Teklu; Gashu, Dawd; Joy, Edward M.; Lark, Murry R.; Bailey, Elizabeth H.; Wilson, Lolita; Amede, Tilahun; Broadley, Martin R.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate influence of genotypic differences to zinc and iron agronomic biofortification responses among yield of finger millet. A field experiment was conducted over two seasons in farmers’ fields in Ethiopia (2019, 2020). The experimental design had 15 treatment combinations comprising 3 finger millet varieties and application of different combinations of zinc and iron mineral fertilizers. 5 soil-applied fertilizer treatments (20 kg h-1 FeSO4 + 25 kg h-1 ZnSO4 + NPKS, 25 kg h-1 ZnSO4 + NPKS, 20 kg h-1 FeSO4 + NPKS, NPKS, and 30% NPKS), at 2 locations (Gojjam and Arsi Negelle, Ethiopia), and two 2 slope positions (Foot and hill), replicated four times in a randomized complete block design. Grain yield and biomass were evaluated on plot basis. Plant height, total and productive tiller number, finger length of the longest spike and number of fingers per main ear were measured at maturity stage. The combined soil application of FeSO47H2O and ZnSO47H2O increased yield to Meba variety by 51.6%. Also, ZnSO47H2O fertilizer application increased yield to Urji variety by 27.6%. About 18.3% of yield enhancement of Diga-01 variety was achieved due to the FeSO47H2O fertilizers application. The findings of the present study suggests that the influence of Zn and Fe agronomic biofortification on yield of finger millet could be affected by genotype differences and environmental conditions.

Citation

Senbetu, D. T., Gashu, D., Joy, E. M., Lark, M. R., Bailey, E. H., Wilson, L., …Broadley, M. R. Genotypic Response of Finger Millet to Zinc and Iron Agronomic Biofortification, Location and Slope Position Towards Yield

• Deposit Date: Aug 15, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 16, 2023
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/21378351
• Publisher URL: https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202305.0156/v1
• Additional Information: Preprint. This version is not peer-reviewed.