Abstract
Mismanagement in foliar fertilizer application at different crop stages decreases the productivity of the crop. Likewise, higher application of phosphorus (P) beyond recommended application rates not only decrease zinc (Zn) uptake in rice but also increase fertilizer use cost. Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) may optimize the uptake of P and improve crops production via organic secretions. That's why the current study was conducted to examine the individual and coordinated effects of 0.5% Zn (0.5Zn) foliar spray (tillering (T) and/or panicle (P) initiation stage) and AMF application. Application of foliar 0.5Zn at tillering+panicle stage remained significantly better for significant enhancement in plant height, spike length, gas exchange attributes and total chlorophyll contents than control. A significant decrease in electrolyte leakage Also validated the effectiveness of treatment 0.5ZnT+P compared to control. Compared to control, the maximum increase in N (14.5 and 25.7%), P (42.1 and 33.3%), K (22.2 and 30.0%) and Zn (19.3 and 27.8%) accumulation was also found in 0.5ZnT+P, with and without AMF, respectively. In conclusion, 0.5ZnT+P with AMF is a better approach than sole application of Zn at tillering or panicle initiation stages. Nevertheless, more investigations are suggested at field level under variable climatic zones to confirm the effectiveness of 0.5ZnT+P with AMF for improvement in rice growth and production.