ENHANCING MAIZE PRODUCTION THROUGH TRICHODERMA APPLICATION AND ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION

Abstract

Trichoderma harzianum is known for enhancing crop productivity, and zinc is an essential nutrient for plant growth. Zinc deficiency can hinder plant growth and reduce yields, which highlights the importance of adequate zinc availability for optimal crop development. Therefore, a trail was conducted during the summer of 2023 at The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, to investigate the effects of Trichoderma harzianum and varying zinc levels on maize. Trichoderma spp. treatment with a control plot was assigned to the main plots, whereas various levels of zinc (0, 6, 12, and 18 kg ha⁻¹) were applied to the sub-plots. Findings demonstrated that delayed tasselling (56.4), increased ears plant^-1 (1.70), plant stature (211.8 cm), maturity days (108.2), weight of ear (198.5 g), grain rows ear^-1 (12.9), grains ear^-1 (511.1), thousand grain weight (292.5 g), biological and grain yield (13604.2 kg ha^-1 and 4844.2 kg ha^-1), grain zinc content (28.3 mg kg^-1 ) was associated with Trichoderma application. Likewise, results revealed that 18 kg ha^-1 positively delayed tasselling (57.6), increased ears plant^-1 (1.86), plant height (213.5 cm), days to maturity (110.7), ear weight (204 g), grain rows ear^-1 (12.7), grains ear^-1 (524.9), thousand grain weight (312.6 g), biological and grain yield (13721 kg ha^-1 and 5148 kg ha^-1) over control plots. Nutrient content was improved with 18 kg ha^-1 zinc that was statistically at par with 16 kg ha^-1 zinc. Thus, applying Trichoderma harzianum combined with zinc at 18 kg ha⁻¹ improved the yield and yield characteristics of maize, making it a recommended practice for climatic conditions of Peshawar.