Foliar applications for amelioration of iron deficiency in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

In present study, different foliar treatments were applied on peanut to check their ameliorative effect on Fe deficiency. In hydroponics experiments, foliar applications of FeSO 4, Fe-EDTA, sequestrene and ferric chloride were applied to check their effect on Fe deficiency chlorosis in two varieties of peanut already screened as BARI-2000 (Fe deficiency tolerant) and BARD-699 (Fe deficiency sensitive). Sequestrene proved to be more effective in increasing the growth of plant. Photosynthetic rate increased up to 58 and 70% in BARI-2000 and BARD-699 respectively as compared to control with foliar application of sequestrene. Similarly higher active Fe concentration was recorded in both genotypes. Up to 14 and 41% increase in active Fe concentration was observed. Various morpho physiological parameters including root length, shoot length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh and shoot dry weights, SPAD values, photosynthetic and transpiration rates showed that BARD-699 was more responsive to foliar applications, while foliar application of sequestrene can be used in correcting Fe deficiency in both genotypes. Active Fe was significantly correlated with different morphological parameters in both genotypes. The results of presense experiment suggested that foliar applications were helpful in correction Fe deficiency in peanut and growth can be enhanced.