Abstract
Grain per spike, biological yield, days to seed emergence, days to anthesis, 1000-grain weight and grain yield were significantly enhanced when Zn was supplied as a foliar application at the rate of 2.5 kg/ha followed by 5 kg/ha as compared to soil application and control treatments. Water soaking of wheat seeds resulted early emergence (7 days) and early flowering (109 days) compared to seed soaked in Zn solutions. Similarly, foliar application of Zn at the rate of 2.5 kg/ha resulted maximum plant height (96.33 cm). grain per spike (47), biological yield (7516.7 kg/ha), grain yield (4490 kg/ha) and 1000 grain weight (110 g) followed by Zn application at the rate of 5 kg/ha. Soil application and control treatments showed minimum plant height, grain per spike, biological yield, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The priming (water soaking) of wheat seeds before sowing had a significant effects on early emergence and early maturity of wheat crop. Whereas foliar application at lower rate was beneficial compared to,higher (5 kg/ha) application. The comparatively lower efficiency of soil application on yield and yield related parameters was due to its low availability or soil fixation. Lower foliar application at the rate applied in alkaline calcareous soils (chalky or containing CaCO3) results in high yield of wheat crop.