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Zinc and copper interaction and wheat response in relation to their co-application
Abstract
Wheat response to adequate zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) nutrition has been widely reported in Pakistan, due to their soil deficiency, however, their interactive effect has not been well established. We evaluated wheat (cv. MSH-14) response to co-application of Zn and Cu following a randomized complete block design with three repeats. Eight treatments were involved: a control with no Zn or Cu, three Zn levels @ 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kg ha-1 applied alone, or each combined with 2.5 kg Cu ha-1, and a sole Cu treatment @ 2.5 kg ha-1. The crop also received a blanket fertilizer dose @ 150-90-00 kg N-P-K ha-1. Co-application of Zn and Cu (5.0-2.5 kg ha-1) significantly (p<0.001) enhanced wheat growth, yield, nutrient concentration and uptake, and grain-to-nutrient efficiency ratio (GNER), when compared to other treatments. The Zn-Cu interaction varied with Zn application rate. Co-application of Zn at low or high doses @ 2.5 or 7.5 kg ha-1 along with 2.5 kg Cu ha-1 led to antagonism, as the observed GNER was lower than the predicted additive response. Balanced Zn-Cu co-application at an optimal ratio is critical for maximizing wheat grain yield, as their interaction may shift between synergism or antagonism depending on application rate.
