Effect of fertilizing with different levels of phosphorous and zinc on the botanical characteristics of table beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

Abstract

The interaction of phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) is a crucial factor affecting crop yield in agricultural production called a P-induced Zn deficiency. The application of Zn and P together reduces deficiencies and increases plant growth by more than the sum of the increases from Zn and P alone. This experiment was carried out during two seasons, in consecutive years, to study the effect of P and Zn levels on the physical, physiological and anatomical response in table beet plants. Treatment one was as control; the second treatment was 35 P units with 5, 10, and 20 Zn units; the third treatment was 40 P units with 5, 10, and 20 Zn units; and the fourth treatment was 45 P units with 5, 10, and 20 Zn units. The data showed that the number of leaves and the root diameters were high with the addition of 40 P units and 10 Zn units, and the roots fresh and dry weights were high under 40 P units and 10 Zn units in both seasons. The contents of TSS, AA, TS, ACY, N, P, and K were significantly increased by the use of 40 and 45 P units combined with 5 and 10 Zn units. The anatomical alterations in both leaf blade, epidermal layers, midrib zone, vessel diameter, vascular bundle area, palisade, and spongy tissues were studied. The results recommend that fertilizing table beet plants with 40 P units and 10 Zn units is suitable.