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Abstract

Zinc deficiency is a worldwide nutritional constraint in crop production particularly in cereals growing on calcareous soils. In order to study the effects of zinc sulfate application and seed zinc concentration on responses of wheat plant a field experiment was carried out in a Zn – deficient calcareous soil (Fine Loamy, Mixed Thermic, Xeric
Haplocalcid) in Karaj region. In a factorial experiment of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications low and high – Zn seeds of wheat were sown and fertilized with 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 Kg Zn ha-1. ANOVA results indicated that Zn application and seed Zn concentration significantly (P<0.01) increased grain yield as well as protein
content. Total Zn uptake as well as concentration of Zn in grain , bran and flour increased whereas P, Fe, Mn and Cu concentrations along with P/Zn ratio decreased. The results further indicated that the major portion of these mineral elements are concentrated in bran. For increasing yield and enhancement of Zn concentration in grain as well as preventation of malnutrition in the society, application of Zn - fertilizer, cultivation of high - Zn seeds and application of P - fertilizer (only on the basis of soil
tests) are recommended.

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