Agronomic fortification of rice and wheat grains with zinc for nutritional security

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in crop plants and humans. Low intake of Zn through diet appears to be the major reason for the widespread prevalence of Zn deficiencies in human populations. Application of Zn fertilizer in soil having low Zn increased the grain yield in wheat up to 6.4–50.1%. However, soil Zn application increased the grain yield of rice only up to 7.2–14.8%.