Enhancement of Seed Zinc and Iron Density in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata): A Physiological Approach

Abstract

The present study was conducted to enhance the zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentration in cowpea (V. unguiculata L.) var. Rituraj using physiological approach. Cowpea was grown in soil-pot culture subjected to soil application at presowing and foliar application of Zn, Fe and their combination at different time period of plant growth during the growing season February to April 2016 at Lucknow University campus. In soil application, the rate of ZnSO4.7H2O and FeSO4.7H2O application was 10 mg kg-1 soil each and foliar application was done at 0.5% of Zn and Fe at 35, 45 and 55 days of plant growth after sowing. The concentration of photosynthetic pigments, specific activities of catalase, peroxidase and carbonic anhydrase in leaves and tissue Zn and Fe concentrations in single treatment 17.41% & 68.90% and in combined treatment 26.92% & 8.83% respectively in seeds were significantly increased as compared to control.  Zinc translocation from flag leaves to seed and its accumulation was more significant in the combined treatment of Zn and Fe foliar application at 35 days after sowing