Zinc effect on growth rate, chlorophyll, protein and mineral contents of hydroponically grown mungbeans plant (Vigna radiata)

Four varieties of mungbeans (Ramazan, Swat mungI, NM92 and KMI) from different research stations of KPK (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) in Pakistan were grown hydroponically in pots containing sand giving nutrient solutions with and without Zn. Each variety was applied with Zn solutions at three levels i.e. 0, 1 and 2 mu M concentrations. Plant samples were taken 2 months after transplant and the effect of Zn supply was observed on plant growth rate, protein, minerals and chlorophyll contents of mungbean leaves. Plant growth, chlorophyll contents, crude proteins and Zn contents were noted to be higher when greater supply of zinc doses was applied. Plant phosphorous contents declined with supply of Zn from 1 mu M to 2 mu M compared to the control signifying a Zn/P complex foundation possibly in roots of plant, preventing the movement of P to plant. Plant copper and Mg contents increased whereas Fe showed competitive behavior with Zinc while K, Na and Mn plant contents were non-significantly depressive with Zn increase from control to 2 mu M. Zinc application at 2 mu M concentrations in solution culture turned out to be the best treatment for improving the growth and quality parameters of mungbean. (C) 2013 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of King Saud University.