Lipid-based Fe- and Zn- nanoformulation is more effective in alleviating Fe- and Zn- deficiency in maize

Improving uptake, translocation, and utilization of foliar applied Fe and Zn is essential for increasing biomass and grain yield under deficient conditions. We compared the effect of foliar applied lipid-based Pheroid Fe- or Zn- nanoformulation, chelate and sulfate forms on biomass, nutrient uptake and mobilization in maize grown under Fe and Zn deficiency scenarios in hydroponic systems and field trials. Foliar spray of Fe-Pheroid nanoformulation resulted in complete re-greening. Partial and no re-greening of mature and young leaves, respectively, were observed under FeSO4 and Fe-HEDTA treatments. Foliar spray of Zn-Pheroid nanoformulation increased the Zn concentration of young leaves. In field trials, foliar spray of Fe- or Zn- chelate did not improve leaf Fe and Zn concentration or grain yield. Fe- and Zn-Pheroid nanoformulation improved the mobility of Fe and Zn within the plant. Field trials indicated that non-lipid-based formulation was not effective in amelioration of Fe- and Zn deficiency.