NPK Use Efficiency of some Sunflower Genotypes as Affected by Nano and Conventional Fertilizer Application

Abstract

Sunflower belonging to family Asteraceae is the most important oilseed crop, its ranks third in world total oil production after soybean and peanuts. Nanotechnology is a new approach to increase agricultural production. Nano-fertilizers provide some nano nutrients to enhance plant growth and production. A field experiment was conducted at North Sinai, Egypt (31ₒ 08ʹ 04.3" N, 33ₒ 49ʹ 37.2" E) during summer seasons (2021 & 2022) to study the effect of Nano and recommended NPK fertilizers. There were 28 treatments including seven sunflower genotypes (G-245, G-465, G-770, G-775, G-880, G-990, Giza120 cv.) and four fertilizer applications (Nano NPK as 100, 75, 50 %, NPK Recommended). Results showed that Giza-120 with treatment 75 % Nano surpassed in chlorophyll percent in all growth stage at both studied seasons. Also, Giza-120 with application of 50 % Nano gave the highest value in biological and Stover yield in 2022 season, while, G-245 genotype with 50% Nano gave the lowest value in total phenols and this the best. Generally, it recommended to cultivate Giza120 with 100 % Nano NPK and/or 75, 50 and 25 %; as this treatment responded positively to Nano application and gave the highest seed yield (t fed-1) followed by G-245 genotype. G-465 and G-245 genotypes with control treatment (recommended NPK) were superior for oil content % and oil yield (t fad-1) at both seasons. Using all treatments (Nano 100, 75 & 50%) x Giza 120 responded positively in seed without hull, protein yield and protein without content in two seasons.