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Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop iron fertilization strategies for the biofortification of iron concentration in wheat grain. For this purpose, foliar application of different iron fertilizers (FeSO4 and Fe-EDDHA %0.2 Fe, nano-Fe %0.02 and %0.2 Fe) and fertilizing time (stem elongation Zadoks 31, booting Zadoks 45 and flowering Zadoks 65) with (%2) and without urea was investigated in Haymana location for two consecutive years. Before and after foliar fertilization; whole plant, old leaf, flag leaf, spike and grain samples were collected respectively depending on plant growth period. Iron, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn concentrations and yield components were determined in this samples. In addition to this, active iron concentration and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) determined in fresh plant samples. According to the results obtained from the research, all Fe fertilizers in the first year and FeSO4+ Urea and %0.2 nano-Fe+Ure in the second year significantly increased grain Fe concentration compared with control. Relative chlorophyll content of leaves generally increased with Fe fertilizers, active iron concentrations in all foliar Fe applied plants were found to be higher than that of control treatments with the exception of %0.02 nano-Fe. Compared to control, grain Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations in the first year and Mn concentration in the second year significantly decreased with foliar Fe application. Foliar Fe fertilizer treatment with urea significantly increased grain Ca and Mg concentrations in first year. Foliar iron fertilization had no significant effect of yield components, grain protein content and P and K concentrations in both 2 years. As a conclusion, foliar applicating of FeSO4 +Urea (%0.2 Fe and %2 Urea) increased wheat grain Fe concentration to a critical value 50 mg kg -1.