Stimulatory Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles as a Nanofertilizer on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2023 at the Agronomy Farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Shri Karn Narendra Agricultural University, Jobner, Jaipur (Rajasthan). The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with nine different treatments and three replications. Among different soil and foliar treatments, application of seed priming with 800 ppm nano ZnO for 2 hours and foliar application of 600 ppm nano ZnO has recorded significantly higher growth parameters, grain, stover yield and higher net return of pearl millet which remained statistically at par with seed priming with 800 ppm nano ZnO for 2 hours along with foliar application of 500 ppm nano ZnO. These findings suggest that nano ZnO can be a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture practices, boosting crop productivity and nutritional value. Our results have important implications for improving food security and farm profitability.