Biofortification of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) through mineral and chelated forms of Zn on yield, Zn accumulation, quality parameters, efficiency indices and economic under low Zn soils of North-Western India

Dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is a global nutritional problem, particularly prevalent in developing countries. Biofortification of food crops with Zn is, therefore, a key challenge and a high-priority research task to address Zn malnutrition. Linseed is a traditional oilseed crop widely used as a valuable alternative for cropping systems because of the high seed oil quality and for industrial purposes. Thus, the efficiency of ZnSO4.7H(2)O and Zn-EDTA was compared for enhancement of quantitative and qualitative parameters along with economic analysis. Foliar application of ZnSO4.7H(2)O and Zn-EDTA (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75%) was done at flowering and capsule formation stages. Results of three-years data revealed that Zn application positively affected all the parameters. The seed and stover yields were maximum with the foliar application of 0.50% Zn-EDTA at flowering and capsule formation stages which was statistically at par with the foliar application of 0.50% ZnSO4 at flowering stage. The oil content showed a positive correlation with yield, while total antioxidant activity and free fatty acid content were positively and negatively correlated with Zn seed concentration. The net return and B:C ratio was highest (Rs. 41,069/ha and 2.30, respectively) with the treatment foliar application of ZnSO4 (0.50%) at flowering followed by the foliar application of Zn-EDTA (0.50%) at flowering and capsule formation stages (Rs. 39,210/ha and 2.15, respectively). Overall it is concluded that the foliar application of ZnSO4 (0.50%) at flowering stage was most efficient for obtaining the higher yield, Zn content, Zn uptake, higher net return and B:C ratio.