Application of K and Zn Influences the Mineral Accumulation More in Hybrid Than Inbred Maize Cultivars

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop used for feeding humans and cattle globally. Deficiency of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) adversely impacts the maize crop productivity and quality. However, the application of these nutrients shows variant responses in different maize cultivars. To understand this perspective, the current study aimed at investigating K and Zn’s optimal concentration in different hybrid and inbred maize cultivars. The treatments were based on three zinc levels (0, 6, and 12 mg Zn kg−1) and K levels (0, 30, and 60 mg kg−1), and their respective combinations. The experiment results showed that combined fertilization approaches of Zn and K (Zn12K60) improved the plant biometric, and physiological attributes of maize crop. The results revealed a significant increase in plant height (45%), fresh weight (70%), and dry weight (45%). Similarly, physiological attributes significantly improved the relative water content (76.4%), membrane stability index (77.9%), chlorophyll contents (170%), and photosynthetic rate (130%) in both inbred and hybrid genotypes. Furthermore, Zn and K (Zn12K60) increased transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (Ci), and internal CO2. In conclusion, maize hybrids (Neelam and DK-6142) were observed best compared with inbred (Afghoi and P-1543) cultivars with the combined application of Zn and K (Zn12K60). Thus, these inbred varieties should be preferred for fodder requirement with optimum fertilizer (Zn12K60) application in Zn deficient soils.

The importance of physiological quality of seeds for agriculture

Seeds present a fundamental role since the beginnings of agriculture, propelling the agricultural development of different people in different ages of human history. Its importance has been linked to the possibility of domesticating the most diverse plants in the past and, nowadays, of providing many biotechnological advancements represented by the most diverse cultivars and hybrids introduced into the market. However, the expression of all its capacities depends on the quality of this supply represented by the sum of physical, genetic, sanitary, and physiological attributes. This review shows how the physiological component of the quality of seeds has influenced the agricultural process for the most diverse crops, notedly, for major crops, forages, or vegetables. It is highlighted its central role in fulfilling the growing demands of a growing world population. We emphasize the preoccupation of research, development, and innovation actions in the sense of recognizing the factors that influence the physiological quality of seeds, developing and enhancing methods to estimate, preserve, and increase it, and how the adoption of high physiological quality seeds has influenced the development of the major crops.