Mihikouwè Mazinagou, Jean Mianikpo Sogbedji and Atchala N’Gbendema
Micronutrient deficiency is a major strain to increasing food production and a global concern for human nutrition. To help meet this challenge, a study was carried out over two consecutive years (2020 and 2021) at the University of Lome Agronomic Experiments Station with the aim to increase productivity and zinc content in maize grains. The experiment was set up in a split-plot design composed of twelve (12) treatments in three replications. Four maize varieties (V1 = Ikenne, V2 = Tzee, V3 = Sotubaka and V4 = Sammaz 52), and three zinc doses (Zn0 = 0 kg ha-1; Zn45 = 3.75 kg ha-1 and Zn60 = 5 kg ha-1 of ZinGap at 12% Zn) were used for this experiment. Yields and grain zinc concentration were determined. The results showed that maize grain yield and zinc concentration in maize grain were significantly influenced by varieties and zinc doses. On 2-year average basis, the highest yield (3.81±0.13 t ha-1) were recorded under Sotubaka with the application of Zn60. Globally, maize grain yield got under Zn60 were 15.13 and 3.65% higher than those obtained under Zn0 and Zn45 respectively. Based on 2-year average, the highest zinc concentration was recorded in Sotubaka grains (55.62±3.78 mg kg-1). This concentration is higher than those obtained in Ikenne, Tzee and Sammaz 52 grains by 17.02; 7.13 and 2.64% respectively. 2-year average zinc concentration obtained under Zn60 (66.09±2.31 mg kg-1) was higher than those recorded under Zn0 and Zn45 by 118.12 and 9.10% respectively. On 2-year average basis, the Zn60 application to the Sotubaka (70.58±2.91 mg kg-1) gave the highest zinc concentration. Zinc foliar application improved yield and zinc content in maize grain; but its effectiveness depends on environmental conditions.
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