Effect of copper on growth, yield and concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.).

A pot experiment was conducted at six graded levels of copper (Cu) viz., 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mg kg-1 to test the response of wheat plants grown in a copper-responsive alluvial soil (entisol) under glass house conditions. The growth attributes like plant height, fresh and dry matter yield, percent dry matter enhanced with increasing Cu levels and was maximum at 1.5 mg kg-1 Cu while the number of tillers was minimum at this level. The grain yield at 1.5 mg kg-1 Cu was enhanced by 62.9% from the control. The increase in weight of 1000 grains ranged from 33.93 to 41.35 g in comparison to control (32.58 g). Harvest index (%) also increased and ranged from 39.42 to 47.73 in different treatments in comparison to control (35.92). Both 1000 grain weight and harvest index were maximum in the plants at 1.5 mg kg-1 copper. Cu concentrations in leaves, grain and straw enhanced with increasing levels of Cu application. The Fe concentration in leaves was significantly reduced by Cu application and the reduction was 10.3% at 2.5 mg kg-1 Cu and was not influenced in by Cu application in grain and straw. The Mn concentration was not affected by Cu application in any of the plant part studied. However, Zn concentration decreased significantly at higher levels of Cu (2.0 and 2.5 mg kg-1) in leaves and remained unaffected in the grain and straw.