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. 2025 Mar 31;15:10974. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95441-9

Enhancing zinc and iron biofortification in mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) through various application method

Hafsa Farooq 1, Rimsha Ishtiaq 1, Haris Babar 2, Mohammad Hashim Faryad 3, Maria Ameen 4, Muhammad Taqqi Abbas 5, Zain Mushtaq 6,✉, Abdulrahman Alasmari 7, Md Sabir Ahmed Mondol 8, Gholamreza abdi 9,✉
PMCID: PMC11958780  PMID: 40164676

Abstract

Malnutrition is a problem in many developing economies where cereal crops are the main source of nutrition. Zinc and iron, important micronutrients, play an important role in the physiological and metabolic mechanisms of plants and humans. In this study a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during zaid rabi season in February 2023 to check the impact of different application methods (seed priming, seed coating, soil application, and foliar application) of Zn and Fe on grain zinc and iron content and productivity in mungbean.. Results show that the plant growth parameters are significantly influenced by the concentration and application method of Zn and Fe. The highest plant height (cm), maximum number of branches and pods on plants were observed in foliar application of Zn and Fe combination treatment.. Post-harvest parameters, including biological yield, grain yield and 1000 seed weight were also positively influenced with highest biological yield (4536.27 kg ha−1) and grain yield (1927 kg ha−1) recorded under Zn foliar application. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and photosystem II Yield (Y(II)) were significantly improved with Zn and Fe treatment, particularly under foliar application. Biochemical analyses revealed that Zn and Fe significantly increase Zn and Fe content in grains with the highest value (36.77 and 63.44 ppm, respectively) observed under Zn foliar treatment. Overall, the foliar application was found most effective, in improving the yield and quality of mungbean. These findings highlight the efficacy of foliar application of Zn and Fe in enhancing mungbean growth, yield, and nutrient content, providing valuable insights for optimizing micronutrient management in mungbean cultivation.

Keywords: Biofortification, Foliar application, Photosynthesis, Seed priming

Subject terms: Biochemistry, Ecology

Introduction

Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) is one of the world’s most significant edible legume crops, with over 6 million hectares under cultivation global1. In Pakistan, mungbean production increased to 263.8 thousand tons from 204.5 thousand tons in 2021 as compared to the previous year (GOP, 2021). Mungbean is a great source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and considerable levels of bioactive substances, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, and peptides; as a result, it has gained popularity as a functional food for supporting health2.

Micronutrients are required for plant growth and perform a significant role in crop nutrition. When all nutrients are present in sufficient quantities, the development of plants might be restricted by a lack of any one of the micronutrients in the soil3. Zinc is an essential element for crop development, a catalyst for the enzyme’s aldolase and carbonic anhydrase, which are involved in the metabolism of carbon4. Zn is found in the human body in amounts between 2 and 3 g which is necessary for all organisms to thrive and develop5. Iron is important in several physiological and metabolic mechanisms in plants. It is a part of several essential enzymes, including cytochromes in the electron transport chain6. Approximately 70% of the iron in the body is linked to hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle cells. Iron and zinc deficiency, generally recognized as a serious public health issue, is mostly caused by cereal-based diets lacking in micronutrients (Zn and Fe) and is widespread in low- and middle-income nations. Fe deficiency affects more than 60% of the global population7.

Different methods are employed to improve the nutritional profile of crops to address micronutrient deficiencies, including dietary diversification, food supplements, food fortification, and biofortification8. Biofortification is defined as the process of increasing the concentration of vital minerals in the edible section of staple food crops through agronomic measures as well as genetic selection. Micronutrient deficiency can be prevented through biofortification, which increases the concentration of these nutrients in the crop’s edible component while also boosting their quantity and bioavailability. Zn and Fe, are the most globally emerged deficient micronutrients9. The two primary approaches for improving the nutritional quality of food crops are genetic and agronomic biofortification; however, agronomic biofortification is a more cost-effective and immediate strategy to increase micronutrient content in edible sections of food crops than genetic biofortification10.

Increased micronutrient levels in crops can be achieved by biofortification. Agronomic biofortification is also regarded as one of the most cost-effective methods of reducing mineral deficiencies in the human diet. Iron and zinc bioavailability ranges from 5–15% and 18–34% of total intake, respectively, requiring a significant quantity of iron and zinc to compensate for its low bioavailability, providing a major problem for the biofortification method11. The agronomic biofortification strategy has been effective in Pakistan at increasing crop production, profitability, and grain Zn concentration. The agronomic Zn biofortification reduces the risk of Zn insufficiency, enhances net economic return with increased grain production, and saves billions of dollars by reducing Zn bioavailability in grains12. To nutritionally enhance legumes with Fe and Zn, these micronutrients must be supplied during crop cultivation. It is possible to enhance the concentration of micronutrients without correspondingly losing yield. A variety of agronomic biofortification techniques, such as seed priming, seed coating, and soil or foliar fertilization, can increase the micronutrient content of grains13.

However, little information is available regarding the impact of the application of Zn and Fe through different methods on grain Zn and Fe contents in mungbean. Therefore, this experiment is planned to study the impact of different application methods of Zn and Fe on grain zinc and iron content and productivity in mungbean.

Results

Growth parameters

Plants were selected for plant height at maturity, to check the results about the effect of applied Fe and Zn through different application methods on plant height of mungbean (Table 1). The highest value of plant height (54.38 cm) was observed when treated with Zn and Fe combination (foliar application). However, the lowest value of plant height (51.33 cm) was observed in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application. Overall results show that zinc and iron positively impacted the branches of mungbean. Maximum number of branches (14.95) was observed when Mungbean plants were treated with zinc (foliar application). However, the lowest value (8.76) was observed in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application. If the pod number on a plant enhances then it will maximize the final yield that is our primary aim to achieve. Significantly, the highest number of pods per plant (25.35) was observed in zinc (foliar application) and the lowest number of pods per plant (20.33) was observed in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application (Table 1).

Table 1.

Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean growth parameters (Plant height, Number of branches per plant, Number of Pods per Plant). Data represent mean, followed by different letters indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Application method Iron and zinc application
Plant height Number of branches plant−1 Number of pods plant−1
Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc
Seed priming 52.36c 53.35b 53.36b 53.34b 10.76e 14.00abc 14.37ab 12.74d 20.37d 23.22b 23.36b 23.22b
Seed coating 51.33d 53.37b 52.34c 53.36b 8.98f 13.56bcd 13.81a–d 13.00cd 20.35d 21.22cd 21.33cd 23.35b
Soil application 51.34d 53.36b 53.38b 53.33b 8.90f 13.66bcd 13.67bcd 14.30ab 20.36d 22.33bc 23.38b 23.36b
Foliar spray 51.33d 54.35a 54.36a 54.38a 8.76f 14.74ab 14.95a 14.68ab 20.33d 25.34a 25.35a 25.33a
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Post-harvest parameters

Biological yield refers to total bio-mass accumulation per unit area of a crop. The total activity of photosynthetic reactions of the plant is determined by the biological yield (Table 2). Results show that the highest value of biological yield (4536.27 kg ha−1) was recorded when plants were sprayed with Zn (foliar method) and the lowest value (3107.53 kg ha−1) was recorded in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application. The potential seed yield of a crop is directly associated with seed weight. Calculated means values of 1000 seed weight (g) show that the highest value (44.20 g) was recorded when plants were sprayed with Fe (foliar application) and the lowest value (39.74 g) was recorded in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application. Highest grain yield (1927 kg ha−1) was recorded when treated with Zn (foliar method) and the lowest grain yield (1653 kg ha−1) was recorded in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application. The harvest index will be improved as the plant’s physiological processes progress. The highest value of harvest index (42.55%) was recorded when treated with Zn (foliar application) and the lowest value of harvest index (40.20%) was recorded in plant of mungbean when grown without nutrient application (Table 2).

Table 2.

Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean growth parameters (Biological Yield, 1000 Grain Weight, Harvest Index and Grain Yield). Data represent mean, followed by different letters indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Application method Iron and zinc application
Biological yield 1000 grain weight Harvest index Grain yield
Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc
Seed priming 3243.50g 3600.23f 3746.87def 3673.50ef 40.14d 40.32d 41.42c 41.40c 40.63cd 41.20bc 41.28b 41.25bc 1676.67ef 1710de 1758.33bcd 1735.00cd
Seed coating 3174.20g 3631.97f 3846.90cd 3740.43def 39.81d 41.53c 41.72c 41.62c 40.22d 41.30b 41.38b 41.32b 1681.33ef 1723.33de 1785.67bc 1756.67bcd
Soil application 3107.53g 3833.43cde 3942.03c 3940.27c 39.74d 41.82c 41.85c 41.73b 40.25d 41.42b 41.55b 41.45b 1653.00f 1736.67cd 1803.33b 1799.67b
Foliar spray 3140.87g 4466.13ab 4536.27a 4337.83b 40.01d 44.20a 42.67+ 42.58b 40.20d 42.45a 42.55a 42.50a 1671.67ef 1907.33a 1927.00a 1919.33a
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Number of seeds per pod

The highest value of seeds per pod (12.59) was recorded when the plants were treated with Zn (foliar application) and the lowest value of seeds per pod (10.74) was recorded in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

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Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean Number of seeds per pod. Data represent mean, followed by different letters on the top of bars indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Physiological parameters

Chlorophyll content (SPAD value)

The calculated means value of SPAD value for different methods show that the highest value of chlorophyll content (57.93) was recorded when treated with Zn (foliar spray), while the lowest value of it (56.01) was recorded in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

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Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean SPAD value. Data represent mean, followed by different letters on the top of bars indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Biochemical parameters

Electron transfer rate (ETR) (m mol m−2 s−1)

Calculated means values of electron transfer show that the highest value (384.15) was recorded when treated with Zn (seed priming) and the lowest value of ETR (238.73) was recorded when treated with Zn (soil application method). ETR had significant when applied by the interaction of Fe and Zn with different methods. The micronutrients show non-significant effects and different methods had also non-significant effects on mungbean (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

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Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean Electron transfer rate (m mol m−2 s−1). Data represent mean, followed by different letters on the top of bars indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Momentary fluorescence rate (MFR) (m mol m−2 s−1)

Momentary fluorescence is measured by MINI-PAM. Results show that the highest value of MFR (361.67) was recorded when it was treated with Zn (seed priming) and the lowest value (278.17) was recorded when treated with Zn and Fe combination (soil application). Momentary fluorescence had a highly significant effect when treated with micronutrients (Zn and Fe). In addition, applying different methods had a non-significant effect on momentary fluorescence and their interaction with micronutrients had also non-significant (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4.

Fig. 4

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Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean Momentary fluorescence rate (m mol m−2 s−1). Data represent mean, followed by different letters on the top of bars indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Photosystem II Yield (Y(II)) (m mol m−2 s−1)

The highest value (0.62) was recorded when treated with Fe and Zn interaction (foliar application method) and the lowest value (0.37) was recorded when treated with Zn (soil application method). Y(II) had a significant effect when applied by different methods and their interaction with Fe and Zn had also significant. The micronutrients show a non-significant effect (Table 3).

Table 3.

Effect the interaction between two micronutrients and methods of application on Mungbean growth parameters [Photosystem II Yield (Y(II)) (m mol m−2 s−1), Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), Zn content in grains and Fe content in grains]. Data represent mean, followed by different letters indicate significant differences as per Tukey’s LSD test (P ≤ 0.05).

Application method Iron and zinc application
Photosystem II yield (Y(II)) Photosynthetically active radiation Zn content in grains Fe content in grains
Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc Control Iron Zinc Iron + Zinc
Seed priming 0.54ab 0.47bcd 0.60a 0.42cd 1512.75a 1482.25d 1513.25c 1540.25b 35.22c 35.80b 35.88b 35.83b 48.20f 48.32ef 48.26ef 48.22ef
Seed coating 0.51abc 0.55ab 0.56ab 0.51abc 1491.75b 1532.83c 1520.7b 1481.08d 35.20c 35.76b 35.91b 35.83b 46.44f 56.92bc 54.23cd 52.28de
Soil application 0.51abc 0.45bcd 0.37d 0.47bcd 1491.75b 1648.00a 1568.50a 1721.42a 35.23c 36.60a 36.65a 36.62a 46.47f 55.35cd 55.50cd 53.28cd
Foliar spray 0.51abc 0.56ab 0.54ab 0.62a 1491.75b 1549.75b 1507.7d 1535.08c 35.20c 36.71a 36.77a 36.73a 46.52f 59.77ab 63.44a 56.91bc
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Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)

Calculated means values of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are show that the highest value of PAR (1721.42) was recorded when treated with Fe and Zn combination (soil application method) and the lowest value (1481.08) was recorded when treated with Zn and Fe combination (coating application method). Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) had a non-significant impact on mungbean and their interaction with different methods had also non-significant (Table 3).

Zn content in grains

The results showed that micronutrients had a significant effect on Zn content in grains of mungbean and different methods had also shown a significant effect. In addition, the interaction between micronutrients and methods shows a significant impact. Results show that the highest value of Zn content in grains (36.77 ppm) was recorded when treated with Zn (foliar application) and the lowest value of Zn content in grains (35.20 ppm) was recorded with in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application (Table 3).

Fe content in grains

The results showed that micronutrients had a highly significant effect on Fe content in grains of mungbean and different methods had also shown a significant effect. Results show that the highest value of Fe in grains (63.44 ppm) was recorded when plants were sprayed with Zn (foliar application) and the lowest value (46.44 ppm) was recorded with in plants of mungbean grown without nutrient application (Table 3).

Discussion

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) is a short-season warm-season pulse crop valued by farmers. Globally, especially in emerging nations, the crop has demonstrated a balanced expansion. Due to its high levels of folate and iron and excellent protein content, mungbean is in high demand and commands a high price on the market, which makes farmers pleased and satisfied. Additionally, it can fix atmospheric nitrogen by symbiotically growing with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which makes it ideal for rice-based cropping systems and intercropping with other plants. Mungbean cultivation has received less attention than other pulse crops, despite the fact that it offers a wide range of advantages, and nothing is being done to improve its breeding and development. Future challenges for mungbean breeders include breeding for increased output, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improvements in nutritional quality14.

Plant growth was noted to be higher when a greater supply of zinc doses was applied15. The effect on growing plants; metabolism may be the cause of the rise in plant height, which could explain the observed response to the application of zinc and iron. The favorable response of iron and zinc foliar spray on plant height outcomes is comparable to the findings of16. The increase in the number of pods bearing branches with supplementation of micronutrient mixture might be attributed to the balanced nutrition of the crop. The beneficial effect of the use of multi micronutrients mixture has been reported in different crops for good growth. The no. of pod-bearing branches was increased by using micronutrients in cereals crops as reported by17. The results of this trial were similar to the study of18 in mungbean crop. Micronutrient application increases the number of pods bearing branches in black gram as reported by19. Zn-fertilization enhanced grain and biological yield by enhancing the number of grains per pod and test weight of mungbean. Soil and foliar application of Fe significantly enhanced primary branches, plant height, pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod, test weight, grain yield by soil application, and grain Fe concentration by foliar application20.

The higher pod number per plant with zinc application could be possibly explained by the fact that zinc application increased the realization of flowers into pods. Both Zn and Fe are involved in carbohydrates and protein production; therefore, their application increased the making of pods and seeds in plants. The results are supported by another study that revealed the effect of salicylic acid and zinc levels in sandy soils on the yield attributes of mungbean21. Pandey et al.22 investigated the zinc foliar spray at the flowering phase to improve the crop performance and yield components in black gram. Habbasha et al.23 also examined the influence of N fertilizer and Zn foliar spray on yield and some chemical responses of groundnut. Agronomic biofortification methods (seed priming, seed coating, and soil and foliar fertilization) have the potential to increase micronutrient concentration in the grain24.

One of the strategies for increasing agriculture productivity has been suggested enhancing the photosynthetic activity of leaves. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters can offer qualitative and quantitative data regarding the photosynthetic processes in chloroplasts, which may be crucial in calculating the photosynthetic rate. One of the key chloroplast components for photosynthesis, chlorophyll, has a favorable correlation with photosynthetic rate. Crop production must be increased by maintaining a higher chlorophyll content for a longer amount of time in the reproductive stage25.

Better growth and yield of mungbean might also be attributed to the participation of Zn in several physiological processes during crop development, resistance to abiotic stress, nitrogen use efficiency, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis. The participation of Zn in several physiological processes during crop development, photosynthesis, and protein synthesis. Fe being part of many enzymes is involved in the activation of several enzymes, cytochrome (involved in ETC), chlorophyll synthesis, and chloroplast structure. Micronutrients, especially Fe has great importance in photosynthesis and respiration as it is involved in several enzymatic activities and chlorophyll. Moreover, it has been reported that Fe contributes to the synthesis of chlorophyll, and several plant growth regulators20.

Habbasha et al.26 concluded that foliar spray of zinc at flowering and seed filling periods of groundnut improved biological yield significantly than control. Ali et al.27 concluded that more biological yield of mung bean was obtained when Fe was sprayed at a stage of flowering and branching time than control. In biomass production, zinc contributes significantly28,29. Spraying green gram plants with ZnSO4 and FeSO4 during the branching and flower bud opening stages increased the plant’s flower, pod, and seed yield. The treatment of micronutrients increased the number of seeds (pod−1)30.

The weight of the seed becomes higher due to the high metabolism of N and high photosynthates assimilation in the seed. The results are similar to the results of31 and 32 who reported a significant rise in 1000-grain weight with foliar spray of micro-nutrients. Micronutrients take part in the metabolism of plants as an activator of several enzymes which in turn can directly or indirectly affect the synthesis of carbohydrates and proteins. The importance of micronutrients in growth promotion also results from the fact that Zn promotes the accessibility of other growth promoters such as gibberellins, kinetin, indole-3-acetic acid, etc., and enhances the capability of plants to survive in adversative environments33. Application of Zn (both foliar and pretreatment) on unstressed plants showed a considerable increase in growth dynamics and different yield attributes in comparison to control plants. These results are supported by the study of the spray of Zn and Fe for improving the yield traits and quality of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) under alkaline conditions and concluded that significant results were obtained on harvest index when micronutrients were applied34. Chickpeas need to have enough microelements to produce maximum yield, thus increasing yield could improve the harvest index. In the case of peas reached similar conclusions35.

A foliar spray of Fe, Zn improved the zinc content of mungbean grains. Zinc functions as a regulatory, structural, or functional cofactor for a variety of enzymes, as well as in the production of protein, auxin, cell division, sexual fertilization, and photosynthesis36. Additionally, the production of protein, DNA, and RNA depends heavily on zinc37. Zinc plays a part in the enzymes of plants38.

A foliar spray of Fe and Zn significantly improved the iron contents of mungbean grains. It can be because of iron’s involvement in chlorophyll39. It has been shown that it acts as a cofactor for almost 140 enzymes that speed up a single biochemical reaction40. Therefore, iron performs many significant roles in the development and growth of plants, also involves the synthesis of chlorophyll, the development of chloroplast, and the synthesis of thylakoid as well as iron is also needed for biosynthetic pathways for many steps41.

Materials and methods

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in Pakistan during zaid rabi season of February 2023 to check the impact of different application methods39 of Zn and Fe on grain zinc and iron content and productivity in mungbean. The treatments were applied according to split plot arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having 2 factors and each treatment was replicated thrice. In this experiment, Zn and Fe were applied to the mungbean crop by seed priming (0.02%), seed coating (2g/kg seed), soil application (20 kg ha−1), and foliar application (0.5% two sprays) at flowering stage. Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) were the source of Zn and Fe respectively42.

The Recommended N, P, and K fertilizer dose applied was 25, 57 and 30 kg ha−1. Seeds of Azri Mung-2018 were collected from the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI).The treatments were as factor A (M1 = Priming, M2 = Coating, M3 = Soil, M4 = Foliar) and factor B (N1 = Control, N2 = Iron, N3 = Zinc, N4 = Iron + Zinc). Physiological, biochemical, growth and yield related attributes as well as grain nutrient content was recorded during and after the experiment.

Data collection

Plant growth parameters

Plant height was measured before harvesting. Therefore, Number of branches per plant and number of pods per plant were calculated before harvesting. A minimum of 3 plants from each treated plot were selected and calculated. The mean value for selected plants was taken from each plot, while treatment means were recorded from replications. Pod length was recorded before harvesting. Minimum of 3 to 5 pods from each treated plot were selected and their length was noted. Pods from each plot were collected and weight was taken using electrical balance43.

Physiological parameters

SPAD values were measured by using a SPAD meter after germination44.

Biochemical parameters

Photosynthetic yield of PII (m mol m−2 s−1), ETR (m mol m−2 s−1) (electron transfer rate), and Ft (m mol m−2 s−1) (momentary fluorescence) of leaf were recorded by using MINI-PAM45.

Post-harvest parameters

After threshing, 1000 grains from individual treatments were counted and weighted using an electronic weight balance. The weight of plant parts along with their spikes was noted using an electric weighing balance. The biological yield includes grain and straw yields. The grain yield for each treatment was recorded and it includes grains only. Therefore, each pod was cut down with the help of a cutter and crushed with the help of hands and the total grains in a pod were counted. The harvest index of the mungbean was calculated as the formula below46.

graphic file with name d33e1745.gif

Nutrients (Zn, Fe) content

For the determination of Zn and Fe content, in grains, the grains were grounded with the help of a grinder machine. After grinding, a 0.1 g sample from each replication was weighted with the help of electronic balance. An acid mixture having HNO3:HCIO4 at 2:1 was poured into the sample and placed overnight. The next day, the sample was digested on a hot plate at 250 °C till a colorless solution appeared. After the samples were cooled, the solution was filtered using Whatman filter paper and maintained the solution at 50 mL with the help of distilled water. The samples were transferred into labeled bottles and stored. Zn and Fe content in samples were determined with the help of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer47.

Statistical analysis

By using Fisher’s analysis of variance, the collected data were analyzed. Means of treatment were compared at a probability level of 5% by using the Least Significant Difference (LSD)48.

Conclusion

The current study highlights the importance of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in increasing mungbean development, production, and nutritional quality. Mungbean is an important legume crop with high nutritional content, helping to improve food security and human health, particularly in underdeveloped countries where micronutrient deficiencies, sometimes known as hidden hunger, are common. The findings of this study show significant evidence that Zn and Fe administration improves key agronomic parameters such as plant height, number of branches, pod weight, seed weight, and grain production. Furthermore, the study reveals that Zn and Fe treatment significantly affects physiological processes such as chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, and micronutrient accumulation in grains, which are critical for boosting agricultural output. Foliar Zn and Fe treatment was found to be the most efficient in increasing plant development and grain nutrient content of the several application methods examined. This approach produced the highest biological and grain yields, showing that it has the potential to increase crop output. Foliar biofortification also resulted in the largest accumulation of Zn and Fe in grains, emphasizing its significance in correcting dietary inadequacies. Foliar application was found to be a more efficient and direct means of delivering micronutrients to plants than other strategies, overcoming soil-related restrictions that frequently limit nutrient availability. According to the research’s findings, agronomic biofortification is a viable strategy for raising mungbean output and nutritional value. Using foliar applications of zinc and iron can help improve food security and lower malnutrition, especially in areas where mungbean is a major crop. The goal of future study should be to optimize the advantages of foliar treatment while maintaining farmers’ financial viability by refining its concentration, frequency, and timing. It is also advised that multi-location trials and extended field investigations be conducted in order to confirm these results under various agroclimatic circumstances. In conclusion, the application of Zn and Fe, particularly through foliar spray, is a cost-effective and practical strategy to enhance mungbean productivity and nutritional value. Policymakers, agronomists, and farmers should consider integrating this approach into their crop management practices to improve both agricultural sustainability and public health outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing delivery methods, evaluating long-term soil impacts, and leveraging genetic traits for biofortification, ensuring scalable solutions for agricultural and nutritional security.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to HEC for funding their work on this research project as part of HEC-funded initiatives [“NRPU-HEC project no. 7527/Punjab/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2017_Vermicomposting: A resourceful organic fertilizer to improve agriculture production and soil health and Second project “Vermicomposting: An Agricultural Waste Management Technology”, Pak-Turk Researchers Mobility Grant Program Phase-II, vide letter No. (Ph- II-MG-9)/PAKTURK/R&D/HEC/2018”]. The authors are also thankful to Punjab Agriculture Research Board who financially supported the project (Project# 18-550) entitled with “Developing Agricultural Waste Management System to Produce Different Kinds of Organic Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture”.

Author contributions

A.A., W.A and T.A; Conceptualized and supervised the study; Z.W., W.A. and A.A; Performed the experiments and collected data; T.A, A.K., A.H. and E.F.A: Resources; Z.W. and W.A; Literature survey and data analysis; A.A., T.A. and Z.W: Preparation of tables, figures and initial draft. A.H. and E.F.A: funding acquisition. A.K. and E.F.A reviewing and editing. MSAM and GA:Data analyzing, Preparation of tables, Conceptualized and supervised the study, figures and initial draft All authors read, finalized and approved the final draft for submission.

Funding

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the researchers. Supporting Project Number (RSP2024R356), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Data availability

Data will be available by a request from corresponding author.

Declarations

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Footnotes

Publisher’s note

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Contributor Information

Zain Mushtaq, Email: zmushtaq60@gmail.com.

Gholamreza abdi, Email: abdi@pgu.ac.ir.

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