Author(s):

Jemila C and R Shanmugasundaram

Abstract: A pot experiment was conducted during the year 2015-16 to evaluate the zinc utilization potential of five pearl millet varieties by exogenously applied micro nutrients (Zn) in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore. Soil application with two levels of zinc (0 mg kg^-1 and 10 mg kg^-1) in a Completely Randomized Design was replicated thrice under factorial arrangement (FCRD). Screening of different genotypes in a potentially zinc deficient soil (calcareous soil) gives a picture to identify the nutrient use efficient genotype of pearl millet and further use it to impose bio fortification approach through fertilization strategies. Agronomic bio fortification increase the concentration of trace mineral elements which efficaciously solve the health related problems in developing areas of the world. Results showed that soil application of Zn at 10 mg kg^-1has significant effect on zinc nutrient concentration in pearl millet crop (pre flowering stage). Application of micronutrients also increased and improved growth parameter. Among the varieties studied CO (Cu) 9, ICTP 8203 and ICMV 221 were found to be responsive but not efficient and varieties collected from local farmers at Madurai and Coimbatore Districts were found to be efficient and non-responsive as screened in the preface study through fertilization strategy.

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