Investigating the Impact of Zinc on Chlorophyll Content and Leaf Area in Arecanut Seedlings
Thanuja, G. *
Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Nagaraja, N. R.
Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR- Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Vittal -574243, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India.
Vishnuvardhana
Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Ravi Bhat
Division of Crop Production, ICAR- Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod – 671124, Kerala, India.
Maruti Prasad, B. N.
Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India.
Ramesh, S. V.
Division of Physiology, Biochemistry and Post-harvest Technology, ICARCentral Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A sand culture experiment was carried out at ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Vittal in the year 2021, to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of Zinc (Zn) on chlorophyll content and leaf area in arecanut seedlings. Eight varieties of arecanut seedlings (Mangala, Swarnamangala, Madhuramangala, Shatamangala, South Kanara local (S K local), Thirthahalli, Sirsi arecanut selection -1 (SAS -1), Hirehalli dwarf) were cultivated in a naturally ventilated glasshouse using sand culture provided with 0.031, 0.093 and 0.156 ppm of Zn. After six months of growth, the seedlings were assessed for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll content, and total leaf area. The results indicated that the chlorophyll content and total leaf area of arecanut seedlings were significantly influenced by different varieties and varying levels of zinc supplementation. Maximum values for both chlorophyll content and total leaf area were observed at a Zn concentration of 0.093 ppm (Z2 level). This study suggests that among the different levels of Zn, a concentration of 0.093 ppm (medium level) is optimal for promoting the growth of arecanut seedlings.
Keywords: Arecanut, varieties, zinc concentrations, chlorophyll content, leaf area