Effect of zinc and iron biofortification on growth and quality parameters of greengram (Vigna radiata L. wilckzek) under medium black calcareous soil

The research was performed at the Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Junagadh Agricultural University, in the summer season year of 2024 using a randomized block design (RBD) consisting eight treatments with three replications. The soil of experimental area was low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and high in potassium content having pH 7.9 and EC 0.33 dSm^-1. The treatments involved recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with foliar sprays of ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ either singly or in combination at critical growth stages (flowering and pod formation). Among various treatments application of RDF 20:40 NP kg/ha along with 0.5% ZnSO₄ and 0.5% FeSO₄ each at flowering and pod stages recorded significantly higher values of growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation and quality parameters viz., protein content and protein yield. The dual foliar application of zinc and iron significantly boosts growth and quality performance and productivity of green gram.