Nutritional effect of zinc and boron on growth, yield and oil content of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The experiment was conducted to assess the impactofZn and B application on sunflower growth, yield and oil content in sub-tropical condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with twelve treatmentsand replicated thrice. The treatments comprised viz; T1: Without fertilizers (absolute control), T2: RDF (N80P40K40), T3: N80P40K40Zn0.5%, T4: N80P40K40Zn4, T5: N80P40K40B0.2%, T6: N80P40K40B2, T7:N80P40K40Zn0.5%B0.2%,T8: N80P40K40Zn4B2, T9:N80P40K40Zn4Zn0.5%, T10: N80P40K40Zn4B0.2%, T11: N80P40K40B2B0.2%, T12: N80P40K40B2Zn0.5%.From the experimental results recorded it can be concluded that the growth and yield components of the tested crop were significantly influenced by the application of micronutrients as compared to the control (without fertilizer) and recommended dose of fertilizer alone. Among the treatmentsapplication of N80P40K40Zn4B2foundhigher diameter of capitulum (17.72 cm), number of seeds per capitulum (763), seed weight per capitulum(48.98 g), seed yield (2563 kg/ha) and oil yield (1097 kg/ha) of hybrid sunflower (variety KBSH 78) accounting 35.49%,43.25%, 26.66%, 46.50% and 51.32% more than control.