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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp5 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Interactive effects of spray methods and nano-metal oxide foliar nutrition on growth and yield attributes of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.16402
Submitted
29 June 2026
Published
21-09-2026

Abstract

Barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea L.) is a hardy, climate-resilient minor millet cultivated in rainfed and marginal environments for its adaptability, short duration and nutritional quality. The present study evaluated the effects of nano-foliar nutrition and spraying method on the growth and yield attributes of barnyard millet under field conditions. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with two spraying methods: drone and manual application. Seven nano-foliar treatments comprising zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) and iron (III) oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ NPs) were applied individually and in combinations. The treatments were applied individually or in combinations as foliar sprays at 30 and 55 days after sowing (DAS). Observations were recorded on plant height, leaf area index (LAI), tiller production, chlorophyll content, productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, test weight, grain yield and straw yield. The interaction between spraying method and nano-foliar treatment was significant for several growth and yield parameters. Among the nano-foliar treatments, ZnO NP + MgO NP at 150 + 150 ppm (S4) recorded the highest grain yield of 1293 kg ha-1, compared with   907 kg ha-1 in the control, representing a 42.5 % increase. The superior performance was observed with drone application of S4, indicating the potential of combining nano-formulated micronutrients with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based application for improving barnyard millet productivity. The findings suggest that UAV-assisted nano-nutrient application can serve as a promising precision nutrient management approach for barnyard millet under rainfed conditions.

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