THE ENHANCEMENT OF BIOMASS ACCUMULATION, SEED YIELD, AND ZINC (Zn) CONTENT IN SEVERAL RICE (Oryza sativa L.) VARIETIES THROUGH ZINC (ZnSO4) APPLICATION

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ZnSO₄ application on biomass accumulation, grain yield, and Zn content in three rice varieties. The research was conducted in paddy fields located in Maja Village, Margapunduh Subdistrict, Pesawaran District, Lampung. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design using a strip plot with three replications. The treatments were arranged by a factorial design (4×3) using a strip plot in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications. The first factors were four application methods of ZnSO₄, consisting of: control (P0), seed priming with 0.25% ZnSO₄ (P1), seed priming with 0.25% ZnSO₄ and foliar spray with 0.5% ZnSO₄ at the vegetative stage (P2), seed priming with 0.25% ZnSO₄ and foliar spray with 0.5% ZnSO₄ at the generative stage (P3), and seed priming with 0.25% ZnSO₄ and foliar spray with 0.5% ZnSO₄ at both vegetative and generative stages (P4). The second factors were three rice varieties, consisting of Ciherang (V1), Inpari-32 (V2), and Inpari IR Nutrizinc (V3). The observed variables included fresh and dry biomass at vegetative and harvest stages, weight of 100 grains, harvest index, and milled dry grain. The results showed that the combination of ZnSO₄ seed priming and foliar spray at both vegetative and generative stages significantly increased biomass accumulation, grain yield, and Zn content. Ciherang and Inpari-32 varieties produced higher yields compared to Inpari IR Nutrizinc. This study indicates that agronomic biofortification through ZnSO₄ application is effective in improving rice yield and nutritional quality, particularly Zn content, which plays a vital role in addressing stunting.