Biofortification in garden peas through multi-micronutrient formulations

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae Vol. 337; p. 113602
• Main Authors: Krishna, Hare, Kumar, Rajeev, Yadava, R.B., Sharma, Swati, Verma, Rajeev Kumar, Singh, Manoj Kumar, Tiwari, Shubham Kumar, Bahadur, Anant
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.11.2024
• Subjects: Foliar application; Iron; Plant growth regulators; Vegetable pea; Zinc; Foliar application; Iron; Vegetable pea; Plant growth regulators; Zinc
• ISSN: 0304-4238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2024.113602

•Garden pea is one of the most ideal candidates for biofortification.•All foliar micronutrient formulations enhanced pod length, weight, and seed yield.•Micromix C, particularly, exceled in plant growth and productivity in garden peas.•Micromix C elevated copper, zinc, iron, and manganese concentration for better nutrition.•Micromix C-treated peas maintained tenderness and sweetness. Soil micronutrient deficiencies lead to crops with low essential element concentrations, affecting human health through micronutrient malnutrition. Effective practices, like foliar nutrient application, improve crop quality and reduce malnutrition. The garden pea (Pisum sativum L. var. hortense) is cultivated worldwide for its nutritional value and such nutrient-rich crops, through agronomic biofortification, offer a sustainable solution to global health issues by addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Four liquid micronutrient formulations [Treatment 1 (T1), Treatment 2 (T2), Treatment 3 (T3), and Treatment 4 (T4)] were prepared using either water or vermiwash as a carrier, with variations that included the presence or absence of plant growth regulators (GA3 + NAA)] and evaluated along with commercially available formulations [Arka Vegetable Special (T5) and ProKissan (T6)]. Micronutrient formulations, particularly T3, demonstrated notable effects on various parameters, including plant height, biomass, root characteristics, pod weight, and micronutrient contents in seeds of garden pea var. Kashi Nandini. T3 significantly outperformed other formulations in promoting plant growth, resulting in higher values for plant height, biomass, branches per plant, nodule mass, root biomass, surface area, volume, and density. Yield parameters such as pod length, weight, number of pods, and seeds per pod were also positively influenced by micronutrient treatments, with T3 leading to the highest overall yield, with a 24.09 % increase per plant and a 13.39 % increase per hectare compared to the control. Additionally, foliar application of micronutrients increased the concentration of copper, zinc, iron, and manganese in seeds, positively impacting seed quality. Quality parameters, including total soluble solids, protein, total phenol, and total flavonoid contents, were significantly improved by micronutrient treatments, with T3 showing the most favorable outcomes. Texture analysis indicated that peas treated with T3 had lower firmness values, suggesting maintained tenderness and sweetness. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between various growth parameters, yield traits, and micronutrient contents. Overall, foliar micronutrient application proved to be a valuable biofortification strategy for enhancing the performance and quality of garden peas.