Silicon and salicylic acid in the physiology and yield of cotton

Silicon (Si) and salicylic acid (SA) foliar applications can benefit cotton yield especially if there is stress during cultivation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the foliar application of Si and SA on the photosynthetic variables and cotton yield. The experimental design used was randomized complete block, constituted by Si foliar application in potassium and sodium balanced silicate form (0 and 3.6?g L^?1 of Si) and SA (0 and 210?mg L^?1). The treatments were applied in three leaf sprays during the reproductive stage that coincided with water stress in tillage. Therefore, the Si foliar application associated with SA favors the physiological variables, increasing the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency reflecting on the increase of cotton yield.     

Zinc and amino acids on wheat-soybean intercropping under no-till management

Abstract

Foliar fertilization with micronutrients and amino acids (AAs) has been used to increase the grain yield and quality of different crops. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Zn and AAs foliar application on physiological parameters, nutritional status, yield components and grain yield of wheat-soybean intercropping under a no-till management. We used a randomized block experimental design consisting of eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments were five Zn rates (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8?kg ha^?1) and 2?L ha^?1 of AAs and three additional treatments: a control (without the Zn or AA application), 2?kg ha^?1 Zn and 2?kg ha^?1 Zn + 1?L AA. The treatments were applied by spraying during the final elongation stage and at the beginning of pre-earing for the wheat and in growth stage V6 for the soybean for two crop years in a Typic Oxisol (860?g kg^?1 clay). Zinc foliar fertilization increased the wheat grain Zn concentrations. The Zn rates and AA foliar fertilization in soil with did not affect the physiological parameters, nutrient status or yield components. The AA application at the different concentrations tested changed the soybean grain yield and the leaf N concentration. The results suggest that Zn and amino acids application increases the grains Zn concentration in the wheat, being an important strategy to agronomic biofortification.     

Effects of nano-fertilizers on physiological and yield characteristics of pinto bean cultivars under water deficit stress

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of water deficit stress and foliar application of zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) nanoparticles on physiological characters and seed yield of pinto bean, an experiment was designed as a split factorial design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications in two growing seasons (2016–2017 and 2017–2018). Treatments were included water deficit stress (normal irrigation and water deficit stress in 50% flowering), foliar application of nano-fertilizers (control, nano-Zn (1.5?g L^?1), nano-Fe (2?g L^?1) and combination of nano-Zn and nano-Fe) and four cultivars of pinto bean (Sadri, Coosha, Cos16, and Ghaffar). The results showed that the soluble sugars and proline content was increased under water deficit. Water deficit stress through decreasing chlorophyll and relative water content of leaves as well as the iron and zinc content of seeds, decreased seed yield and quality. The application of nano-fertilizers of zinc and iron enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity, proline and soluble sugars content as well as leaf area. Also applied nano-fertilizers improved seed quality in terms of protein content. According to obtained results the effect of foliar spray of nano-fertilizers on iron and zinc content of seeds regards to bean cultivars was different. It was concluded that the foliar application of iron combined zinc nano-fertilizers can be useful in pinto bean cultivars under water deficit stress. In both normal and water deficit Cos16 cultivar showed the better amount of studied characteristics compared to other cultivars. The results of cluster analysis of these cultivars confirmed the superiority of Cos16 cultivar.     

Effects of foliar selenium application on some physiological and phytochemical parameters of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sultana under salt stress

Abstract

In this research the effect of foliar application of selenium (Se) at four levels (Na₂OSe₄; 0, 5, 10 and 20?mg L^?1) was evaluated on some phytochemical characteristics of Sultana grapevine under different salinity levels (NaCl; 0 or 75?mM). The vines were fed twice a week with Hoagland nutrient solution and Se was foliar applied twice with 24 intervals. During growing period, plant height, leaf number and leaf area were recorded. Moreover, at the end of experiment, mature leaves from middle nods of canes were used for measurement of some phytochemical indices. According to results, Se application had a positive effect on plant height, leaf numbers, leaf area and photosynthetic pigments content especially at 5?mg L^?1 and to some extent 10?mg L^?1 Se levels. Under salinity stress, foliar application of Se at 5?mg L^?1 considerably decreased vines leaves electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation values compared to non se-treated plants under salinity stress condition. Selenium had an additive effect on salinity stress (75?mM NaCl) induced accumulation of total phenol, total flavonoid, soluble sugars and proline content in leave of vines. Moreover, the interaction of salinity and Se at 5 and 10?mg L^?1 improved leaves antioxidant enzymes activities in Sultana grapevine. Likewise, foliar application of Se improved leaf mineral content in 75?mM NaCl -treated vines. Totally, foliar application of selenium (Se at 5 or 10?mg L^?1) increased salt tolerance through improvement in nutritional balance and by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity in grapevine leaves.     

Magnesium and zinc interaction in four soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements

Abstract

In the last decades, soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) was the crop with the highest acreage in Brazil. Soybean has been cropped under unfertile soils as sandy soils and those under pasture decaying where applying high fertilizer levels have significant responses. The presence of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentration in the upper layers promotes ions imbalanced concentration in soil solution because the soil acidity correction reduces the uptake of other cations as zinc (Zn). The objective of this study was to evaluate under nutritive solution conditions, the Mg influence in Zn distribution and mobilization into plants from four soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks in factorial scheme 4?×?2?×?4 being with four soybean cultivars (FT Estrela, DM Nobre, IAC 17, and IAC 15-1), two Mg rates (0.1 and 1.0?mmol?L^?1), four Zn rates (0, 1, 2, and 5?µmol?L^?1), and four replicates. The IAC 17 and FT Estrela cultivars with determinate growth and high nutritional requirements, and the IAC 15-1 and DM Nobre with tolerance to soils partially corrected, average fertility, or both were investigated. In the highest Mg rates, we verified increase in grain yield (GY) as well as in the Zn rates up to 2.0?µmol?L^?1. The Mg?×?Zn interaction was significant and the IAC 17 cultivar was the most responsive to Zn under nutritive solution. The foliar nutrient concentration was significantly modified by Mg rates. The Mg at 1.0?mmol?L^?1 presented the lowest nutrient concentration in soybean plants and increased the shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) in plant and grain no matter the nutritional requirement from every cultivar.     

EFFECT OF FOLIAR SPRAY OF SOLUBLE SILICIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD PARAMETERS OF WETLAND RICE IN HILLY AND COASTAL ZONE SOILS OF KARNATAKA,SOUTH INDIA

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar spray of soluble silicic acid on growth and yield parameters of wetland rice. The results revealed a significant effect on achieving higher grain and straw yield with foliar silicic acid over control. Foliar spray of silicic acid at 2 and 4 ml L^?1 increased the grain and straw yield and application of 8 ml L^?1 decreased the yield. Foliar spray of silicic acid at 4 ml L^?1 along with half dose of recommended pesticide effectively increased the yields over all other treatments. The content and uptake of silicon in grain and straw was recorded higher with the foliar spray of silicic acid over control. This investigation concludes that application of silicic acid at 4 ml L^?1 along with half dose of recommended pesticide as foliar spray increased the grain and straw yield, besides Si content and its uptake over control.     

Effect of starter fertilizer in seed-row on emergence,biomass and nutrient uptake by six pulse crops grown under controlled environment conditions

Abstract

Legumes have a unique ability to obtain a significant portion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) through a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobia spp of bacteria but it takes time, thus, an early supply of N to the plant may positively influence growth and development. However, too much fertilizer in close proximity to the seed can damage the seedling. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the maximum safe rates for starter seed-row fertilizer application under low seedbed utilization conditions (15%). Emergence, biomass yield and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) uptake responses to starter fertilizer products and blends applied at 0, 10, 20 and 30?kg?N?ha^?1 in the seed-row were investigated for six different pulse crops: soybean, pea, faba bean, black bean, lentil and chickpea. The general sensitivity (injury potential) for starter N, P, S fertilizer was lentil?≥?pea?≥?chickpea?>?soybean?≥?black bean?>?faba bean. Lentil, pea and chickpea could generally only tolerate the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rates while soybean and black bean could tolerate 10–20?kg?N?ha^?1. Faba bean emergence appeared relatively unaffected by all three rates of N and showed least sensitivity to seed row placed fertilizer. In terms of 30-day biomass response, soybean and black bean were most responsive to fertilization, while pea, faba bean, lentil and chickpea were least responsive to the starter fertilizer applications, with no benefit increasing above the 10?kg?N?ha^?1 rate.     

Enhancing nutrient translocation,yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system through zinc nutrition and residual effect of green manuring

Abstract

Efficient nutrient and water use are two important considerations to obtain good harvests of wheat. This necessitates the development of an effective nutrient management technique that not only increases yield, but simultaneously can save nutrient and water use. In this context, a field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to evaluate the residual effect of sesbania and rice bean (in-situ), subabul (ex-situ) green manuring and Zinc (Zn) fertilization, using chelated Zn-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Zn-EDTA) on nutrient use, yields and water productivity of wheat under rice–wheat cropping system. Among residual effects of green manure crops and Zn fertilization, sesbania and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher nutrient content and uptake and yields than other green manure crops and Zn treatments. Residual effect of sesbania saved about 46.5?×?10³ and 30.5?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne of wheat over subabul and rice bean, respectively. Foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS saved about 55.5?×?10³, 47?×?10³ and 13?×?10³ L irrigation water per tonne wheat over residual effect of 5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application, 2.5?kg Zn ha^?1 through chelated Zn-EDTA as soil application + 1 foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at flowering and foliar spray of 0.5% chelated Zn-EDTA at active tillering?+?flowering?+?grain filling, respectively. Correlation analysis showed positive correlation between Zn uptake and grain yield.     

Boron and Amino Acid Foliar Application on Wheat-Soybean Intercropping in a Non-Tillage System

Micronutrient and amino acid (AA) foliar fertilization has generally been sprayed onto plants to increase the crop yield. The experiment had the aim of evaluating the foliar boron (B) and AA application on grain yield (GY), physiological characteristics, nutritional status, and yield components in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] intercropping in a non-tillage system (NTS). The experiment was set up as a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments had the following boron (B) rates: [0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kg ha^?1, source: boric acid (H₃BO₃)] + AAs (2 L ha^?1) applied by foliar spraying and the additional treatments [(Control - without B and AAs), 2 kg ha^?1 B, 2 L ha^?1 AAs and 2 kg ha^?1 B + 1 L ha^?1 AAs] applied at the end of the elongation and spike beginning of wheat plants and development growth stage (V5) of soybean for two growing seasons. Boron and AAs had no influence on the physiological and yield components and had no increases in the foliar and grain B content in wheat and soybean. No matter the dose, the foliar B + AAs (2 L ha^?1) application did not increase the GY in wheat-soybean under a rotational NTS in loamy soil with suitable available B.     

Physiological Effects of Salicylic Acid and Thiourea on Growth and Productivity of Maize Plants in Sandy Soil

This study aimed to investigate the response of vegetative growth, yield, and some metabolic constituents of maize grains cv. Single Cross 124 to foliar applications of salicylic acid (SA; 100, 200, and 400 mg L^?1) and thiourea (TU; 500, 1000, and 1500 mgL^?1), two bioregulators, either alone or in combination. The foliar application of SA and TU alone significantly increased stem diameter, number of leaves?/?plant, leaf area, total dry weight?/?plant, leaf area index, net assimilation rate, specific leaf weight, and yield (i.e., ear length, ear diameter, number of grains?/?row, number of rows?/?ear, 100-grain weight, grain yield?/?plant, grain yield?/?fed (1 feddan = 4200 m²), harvest index, and shelling percentage) by increasing SA or TU concentrations up to 200 and 1500 mg L^?1, respectively. Salicylic acid and TU, when applied alone, significantly improved the nutritional value and quality of maize grains by increasing crude protein, total soluble sugars, total free amino acids, and total soluble phenols.     

Nutrition and production of Helianthus annuus in a function of application of leaf silicon

Silicon (Si) is important as it increases plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. However, studies on in foliar fertilization are still scarce. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of silicon on nutrition and production of Helianthus annuus. The study was carried with a completely randomized design, consisting of five doses of silicon (0; 0.84; 1.68; 2.52 and 3.36?mg L^?1) applied as silicate, with four replicates. Biometric evaluations and relative chlorophyll index (RCI) measurements were performed, being also observed the dry matter production and the silicon use efficiency by plants. The RCI is not affected by the foliar application of Si, while the height and leaf area increase by 8.3 and 25.4%, respectively. Foliar Si application up to the dose of 3.36?g L^?1 promotes linear increases in the dry matter production of shoots (32%), capitulum (19%) and the whole plant of sunflower (27%).     

Dunite in Agriculture: Physiological Changes,Nutritional Status and Soybean Yield

ABSTRACT

Brazil is an importer of fertilizers and the use of alternative sources is increasing in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dunite rates on magnesium (Mg), silicium (Si), reducing sugars, sucrose and foliar starch, soil chemical attributes and soybean yield [Glycine max (L.) Merril] in two soil types. The treatments consisted in the five Dunite rates (0, 42, 208, 542, and 1542 mg kg^?1) in a clayey soil, and five Dunite rates (0, 150, 238, 411, and 933 mg kg^?1) in a sandy soil. In both crops and soils, the Mg and Si contents, reducing sugars and foliar glucose, as well as pH, Mg and Si of the soil, and yield components showed a positive response due to the increase of input rates. The Mg nutrition provides lower foliar starch levels, consequently, the best partition of metabolites to plant leads to better development, filling and yield of soybeans.     

Yield and yield components of white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars affected by boric acid rates and methods of application

To investigate the effect of boric acid on yield and yield components of three white bean cultivars consisted of Jules, G11867, and Shekoofa, a 2-year field split-plot experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2013 and 2014. Boron treatments consisted of 1 – control (no boric acid), 2 and 3 – application of 2 and 4?kg ha^?1 of boric acid by irrigation water, respectively, 4 and 5 – foliar spray of 0.025% and 0.05% of boric acid solutions, respectively, and 6 – combination of 2?kg ha^?1 of boric acid in irrigation water?+?foliar spray by 0.025% boric acid solution. Boron application significantly increased yield and its components in respect to control. The highest grain yields of all cultivars were obtained from application of 2?kg ha^?1 boric acid mixed in irrigation water?+?foliar spray by 0.025% of boric acid solution.     

Morpho-physiological Response of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) to Particle Size and Rates of Zinc Fertilizer

A field study was conducted during 2015–2017 in order to evaluate effects of the foliar application of different sources and concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the yield and morpho-physiological characteristics of saffron. Experimental treatment included the foliar application of nano ZnO at a concentration of (3, 6, and 9 g L^?1), foliar application of normal ZnO at a concentration of (3, 6, and 9 g L^?1) and the control. Both types of ZnO had positive effects on the saffron yield and number of flowers, but the highest yield and flower number were obtained by the foliar application of 9 g L^?1 normal ZnO followed by 6 g L^?1 nano ZnO. Increasing concentrations of both fertilizers up to 3 g L^?1 had no significant effect on crocin, but the crocin content significantly decreased at higher concentrations. Effects of experimental treatments were significant on all morpho-physiological traits. The maximum chlorophyll a (1.74 mg.g^?1) was observed in normal ZnO at a concentration of 9 g L^?1 followed by nano ZnO at a concentration of 3 g L^?1. The increasing application of different types of fertilizers linearly increased the Peroxidase activity, but the highest activity of Catalase in normal ZnO and nano ZnO was measured after the foliar application at concentrations of 3 and 6 g L^?1, respectively.     

Increased yield of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) by foliar fertilization through multi-component fertilizers

Foliar application of fertilizers can guarantee the availability of nutrients to rice for obtaining higher yield. Rice responds favorably to macro- and micronutrients and the tolerance to salinity hazards improves by decreasing the N/S ratio. In this study, results showed that nutrient concentrations (g L^?1) for rice are: nitrogen (N) 108.0, phosphorous (P₂O₅) 6, potassium (K₂O) 81.0, calcium (CaO) 15.0, and magnesium (MgO) 6 g L^?1; and for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo) and silicon (Si) the recommended concentrations are 0.6, 0.45, 0.21, 0.06, 0.09, 0.0002 and 0.004 g L^?1, respectively. A significant increase was recorded in number of panicles m^?2, 1000 grain weight, biological yield and grain yield with foliar application of nutrients. Five foliar applications of nutrients resulted in maximum number of panicles m^?2, grains panicle^?1, 1000 grain weight and biological yield. It is concluded that five foliar applications of balanced amounts of fertilizers at the seedling stage (two sprays), tillering (single spray) and at panicle initiation and panicle differentiation (two sprays) helped in enhancing yield and yield components of rice. In this research, five foliar applications produced the smallest damaging effects of blast (Pyricularia oryzae) in rice.     

Alleviation of alternate bearing phenomenon in mango (Mangifera indica L.) trees using boron and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

This investigation was conducted during two successive seasons (2014/2015) and (2015/2016) using 15?years old productive mango (Mangifera indica) trees cv. Zebda. The trees were grown at AlMalak Valley Farm, El-Sharkeya Governorate- Egypt (30–51° North; 32–53° East). Trees were planted 8?×?8 meter within and between rows in sandy soil under drip irrigation system using the Nile water. The objective of this study is to alleviate alternate bearing in cv. Zebda using mineral nutrients (nitrogen in the on year and boron in the off year). Treatments included three concentrations of nitrogen (1000, 1250, 1500?g/tree/year) and three concentrations of boron (0.0, 250, 500?mg L^?1). Nitrogen was applied to the soil as ammonium sulfate and boron was applied as foliar spray of boric acid. The extra amount of nitrogen fertilizer (250 and 500?g N/tree) was applied at three installments in (May, June and July). Treatment was arranged in a factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with three replicates for each treatment. Results show that the on-year nitrogen fertilization significantly increased mango tree vegetative growth (number of shoot/branch, shoot length, shoot thickness, number of leaves/meter and leaf area) and yield. The average yield in the on year is 85.5?kg/tree at 1250?g N/tree but 67.4?Kilogram/tree at 1000?g N/tree (the control treatment). While in the off year boron foliar application resulted in a significant increase in flowering, initial fruit set, final fruit set and fruit yield. The average yield in the off year is 47?kg/tree at 250?mg L^?1 boron but 9?kg/tree at 0.0?mg L^?1 boron rate (the control treatment).The interaction treatment of 250?mg L^?1 boron + 1500?g nitrogen/tree is the best treatment as it resulted in the highest values for all the tested parameters. The average yield of this treatment is 53.5?kg/tree. This treatment helps alleviate alternate bearing phenomenon by 41% and obtain the highest economic yield in the off-year, i.e. increased yield by 5.9 fold.     

Foliar feeding of boron improves the productivity of cotton cultivars with enhanced boll retention percentage

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is of prime importance because of its quality fiber and edible oil production. Boron (B) is among essential micronutrients for plant growth; it aids in the transfer of sugars and nutrients from leaves to fruit that are involved directly or indirectly in many plant functions. Cotton growth, yield and quality are strongly affected with boron application. A two-year study was conducted to evaluate the impact of foliar applied B (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10?g of B L^?1 of water) on the performance of cotton cultivars (FH-113, MNH-786 and CIM-496). The results indicated that growth, yield and quality traits of cotton were significantly influenced by different levels of foliar applied boron as well as cultivars of cotton. Among cotton cultivars, the yield and quality parameters were superior in cultivar “FH-113.” Foliar application of boron at 6?g L^?1 of water improved leaf area index and leaf area duration and eventually improved the number of bolls per plant, boll retention percentage, average boll weight, lint yield, ginning out turn, fiber length and uniformity ratio of cotton. Foliar application of B at 6?g per liter of water, showed promising results by improving growth and quality parameters and is recommend to enhance the economical yield production of cotton cultivar “FH-113” with improved quality.     

Magnesium-manganese interaction in soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements

Manganese (Mn) deficiency in soybean has occurred mainly in soils with surface dolomite lime application, which increases pH and the magnesium (Mg) concentration in the surface layer. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Mg on the Mn uptake in four soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design, in 4 × 2 × 4 factorial scheme [four soybean cultivars, two Mg rates (0.1 and 1.0 mmol L^?1) and four Mn rates (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 µmol L^?1)], with four replicates. The cultivars used in the experiment were: IAC 17 and FT Estrela (for soils fertility or high nutritional demand) and IAC 15–1 and DM Nobre (for soils partially corrected or medium nutritional demand). The root dry weight (RDW), shoot dry weight (SDW), SDW/RDW ratio, chlorophyll content, seed yield and foliar concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Mg, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Mn, and zinc (Zn) were determined. The application of the highest Mg rate increased seed yield. This was also observed with a Mn rate up to 3.0 μmol L^?1. There was an interaction of Mg and Mn in the plant, and it was found that the IAC 17 cultivar was the most sensitive to Mn, while FT Estrela had the lowest performance. N, P, K, and Zn concentrations were significantly influenced by Mn rates. The Mg and Mn rates had a significant effect on Mg foliar concentrations. The rate of 1.0 mmol L^?1 of Mg provided the lowest levels of nutrients to the plant and increased SDW and seed yield, regardless of the nutritional requirement of each cultivar.     

Effects of Application of Boron on Growth,Yields, and Quality of Red Bayberry

ABSTRACT

Three field experiments at three sites in east Zhejiang Province were conducted to determine the influence of applications of boron (B) on growth, yield, and quality of the red bayberry trees (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zuca) with a manure species of “Buqizhong” in Linhai city. Ground B application or foliar B spraying significantly improved length and incidence rates of spring and summer shoots and increased fruit set rates, which resulted in the increases in fruit yield (13.7–17.5% for ground B application or 13.2–27.3% for foliar B spraying) and in improvement of fruit quality. The optimum yields were recorded with the treatments of ground B application of 40 g tree^?1 of borax or foliar B spraying of 2.0 g L^?1 of borax. Spring shoot incidents for the treatment of ground application of 50 g borax tree^?1 every year during the experiment (4B₅₀) were significantly higher than that for the treatment of ground application of 50 g borax tree^?1 only in the first year of the experiment (B₅₀), but the yield difference between them was not significant at P = 0.05. The increased yield effect of ground B application could last for 3 years. Boron application of red bayberry trees can be carried out by foliar-spraying 2.0 g borax L^?1 every year or ground application of 50 g borax tree^?1 every 3 years. The results of this study showed that application B could significantly improve the growth and increased fruit yield and quality of the red bayberry trees not exhibiting any vegetative symptoms of B deficiency.     

Foliar application of iron,zinc, and manganese nano-chelates improves physiological indicators and soybean yield under water deficit stress

Abstract

To investigate the effect of foliar application of nano-chelates of iron, zinc, and manganese subjected to different irrigation conditions on physiological traits, and yield of soybean (cultivar M9), a split plot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications in two crop years (2016–2017). The main plot included four levels of irrigation (I): full irrigation (I ₁), irrigation withhold at flowering stage (I ₂), irrigation withhold at podding stage (I ₃), and irrigation withhold during the grain filling period (I ₄). Also, the subplot included eight levels of foliar application with Fe, Zn, Mn, Fe?+?Zn, Fe?+?Mn, Zn?+?Mn, Fe?+?Zn?+?Mn nano-chelates, and distilled water (control). The results of combined analysis of variance suggested that the effect of irrigation and foliar application of nano-chelate was significant on all traits. Water deficit stress significantly reduced the grain yield. The minimum numbers of pods per plant, number of grains per plant, 100-seed weight per plant, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll concentration, total dry weight of plant, and the grain yield were obtained by irrigation withhold at podding stage. Foliar application of combined nano-chelates increased the soybean resistance against water shortage more considerably than the separate consumption of these elements. Under drought stress in podding stage, the application of Fe?+?Zn led to the highest yield with a mean of 2613.84?kg ha^?1 where this increase was 61.1% higher than control.