A comparative evaluation of the effects of seed invigoration treatments with precursor zinc salt and nano-sized zinc oxide (ZnO) particles on vegetative growth, grain yield, and quality characteristics of Zea mays

Abstract Introduction The zinc micronutrient fertilizers have a critical impact on the grain productivity and quality attributes of maize. However, low use-efficiency issues applied Zn-fertilizers are required to be addressed through development novel formulations alternative application techniques. Objectives This field study investigates comparative seed invigoration (including priming coating) treatments with bulk ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Methods two different sources at three concentrations 0, 20, 40 mg L ?1 each, for total ten treatments, were evaluated vegetative growth, photosynthetic pigments, yield, traits in Zea mays . Results chlorophyll content was improved by ZnONPs V8 stage. there plants that grew tall, bearing longer ears ZnSO 4 untreated control. Yield-contributing factors like number seeds per cob, 1000-grain weight marginally treatment. Overall, only cob weight, starch, soluble protein, soil nutrient (N, P, K, Zn) significantly enhanced Furthermore, no negative effect recorded microbiological enzymatic activities treatment both sources. Conclusion treatment, i.e. coating ZnONPs, did not alter but starch protein improved.