Influence of Zinc and Phosphorus on Physiology and Yield in Maize

Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in the world. It is a member of family Gramineae (Poeceae) sub family Panicoideae. Maize is also known as "Queen of cereal" and "King of fodder".Maize apart from food has many industrial uses like production of starch, proteins, oil, dextrose, gum, paints etc. It contains about 70-75% starch, 8-12% protein, 3-18% oil and other carbohydrates 1-3%. Maize crop is warm weather loving crop, however, it is grown in wide range of climatic condition.Zinc is absolutely essential for the normal healthy growth and reproduction of all higher plants and is therefore called as "essential trace element" or "micronutrient". Even where optimum amount of manures and/or fertilizer nutrients (N, P and K) and water requirements have been satisfied, a crop will not achieve its full potential yield if supply of zinc is inadequate and quality of the crop product may also suffer. Losses up to 30% in the yield of cereals like maize, wheat and rice can occur as a result of "latent" or "hidden" deficiencies without appearance of any obvious visible symptoms of stress.