Effects of zinc applications on plant growth and zincbiofortification in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) crops

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different doses of Zn fertilization applied from soil and leaves on grain biofortification in white quinoa. For this purpose, 4 doses of zinc fertilizer (0, 4.5, 9.0 and 13.5 kg ha-1) from the soil and 4 doses (0, 0.07, 0.14 and 0.21%) from the leaves were applied to quinoa plants in randomized blocks according to a factorial design with 3 replications. In this study, carried out under field conditions, the yield and some plant growth parameters of quinoa yield parameters were studied, as well as changes in nutrient content and soil properties. According to the results of the research, with different doses of Zn fertilization by soil (T) and foliar (Y), the nitrogen content in grain was higher with foliar application Y3 (0.21% Zn) and T2Y3 application (4.5 kg ha-1 Zn + 0.21% Zn), the calcium content in grain was obtained with the T*Y interaction of T3 soil application (13.5 kg ha-1 Zn), Y3 foliar application (0.21% Zn) and T3Y3 application (13.5 kg ha-1 Zn + 0.21% Zn) and the magnesium content in grain was obtained with T3 soil application (13.5 kg ha-1 Zn). In terms of providing Zn biofortification in grain, it was found that T3 and Y3 doses, which were the maximum Zn doses in both soil and leaf, and T3Y3 application provided the maximum zinc content in T*Y interaction. Zn accumulation in grain increased by 40.9% with T3, 57.3% with Y3 and 112.8% with T3Y3 compared to the control. It was found that T2 (9.0 kg ha-1 Zn) and T3 (13.5 kg ha-1 Zn) gave maximum values of zinc concentration in soil with different doses of zinc fertilization from soil and foliar. The highest values were obtained from Y3 foliar application (0.21% Zn) and T2Y3 application (9.0 kg ha-1 Zn + 0.21% Zn) in T*Y interaction. Zinc biofortification aims to improve nutritional quality through positive effects on human health. In this context, it was concluded that quinoa could be considered as a model crop for zinc biofortification applications. The study also highlighted the importance of zinc fertilization in terms of sustainable agriculture and economic benefits. With the significant contributions of zinc applications in terms of nutrient enrichment in quinoa grains, healthier food production, adequate nutrition and improved quality of life for gluten-free individuals will be achieved.