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Abstract

Zinc (Zn) malnutrition cutback by agronomic biofortification of cereals is an immediate and efficient pathway yet it depends on many locale factors. A field experiment was executed where ten commonly grown wheat varieties (Abadgar-93, Anmol-91, Imdad-05, Mehran-89, Moomal-2002, NIA-Amber, NIA-Sarang, Sarsabz, TD-1, and TJ-83) of Sindh Pakistan were tested for their performance for yield traits, Zn and phytic acid (PA) concentrations, and Zn bioavailability parameters to soil Zn applications. The Zn was applied as 0, 3.3, 6.6, 9.9 and 13.2 kg ha-1, with three replications for each treatment. With respect to no Zn treatment, the Zn fertilization substantially improved the 1000 grain yield to 17%, straw yield to 13%, grain yield to 13%, Zn concentration to 28% and total daily absorbed Zn (TAZ) values to 48%, while decreased the phytic acid (PA) values to 15% and PA/Zn molar ratio to 34%. For defined parameters, the adequate values were recorded with 13.2 and/or 9.9 kg Zn ha-1. Wheat varieties showed a significant variation, and four varieties (Anmol-91, NIA-Amber, NIA-Sarang, and TD-1) outclassed in most attributes. However, the Zn bioavailability for individuals does not appear to be as high as desired, which is evidenced by high PA/Zn molar ratio values and low TAZ value than their respective target values. We advise that the Zn fertilization at the rate of 13.2 kg ha-1 with four best performing varieties should be adopted in climatic conditions of Sindh for high yield, and Zn concentration and bioavailability.

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