The effects of different doses of boric acid and zinc applications with beneficial bacteria on wheat (triticum durum L.) yield, yield components and their effect on grain content

This study was conducted to determine the effects of beneficial bacteria, boric acid and zinc sulfate applications on plant growth, nutrient uptake, grain yield and quality traits of durum wheat under Siirt ecological conditions during 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 growing seasons. The experiment was established in three replicates according to the factorial trial design in randomized blocks. The registered variety Edessa was used in the study; Brevibacillus choshinensis (TV53D) bacteria with nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing properties were applied to all plots and eight different fertilizer combinations were evaluated. Zinc sulfate solution (0%, 0,3%, 0,6%, 0,9% kg/da ZnSO₄) and boric acid (0, 15, 30, 60 mM H₃BO₃) were used. Plant growth parameters, phenological characteristics, yield and quality data were collected and analyzed. Among the phenological traits examined in the research; emergence period ranged between 8,00-11,67 days and maturity period ranged between 86,00-95,00 days. In terms of physiological and agronomic development parameters; plant height was determined between 73,27-86,60 cm and spike length between 5,47-7,73 cm. In terms of yield and yield components; number of spikes per square meter ranged between 230,33-321,33, biological yield 473,99-997,92 kg/da, grain yield 113,81-273,09 kg/da and 1000-grain weight 37,30-41,57 g. In terms of grain quality composition, moisture content ranged between 8,90-9,57%, crude protein content between 10,86-12,43%, sedimentation value between 26,53-40,60 ml and starch content between 68,63-70,03% depending on the treatments. The results showed that both single and combined application of boric acid and zinc sulfate had positive effects on grain yield. Especially low dose boric acid applications increased the yield. The highest yield was obtained from 15 mM H₃BO₃ application. Quality parameters were also positively affected by the treatments. The results suggest that foliar application of boric acid and zinc sulphate is a feasible and sustainable agricultural method that can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers while increasing yield in durum wheat.