Effect of water stress on yield and yield components of bean, sesame, and maize in conditions of superabsorbent application

In order to evaluate effect of water superabsorbent application on yield and some physiological characteristics and water use efficiency of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) in water stress conditions, a split plots experiment based on RCBD design with three replications was conducted during 2015-2016 growing season, in Research Farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Irrigation levels (50 and 100 percent of water requirement) and application (80 kg.ha-1) and non-application of water superabsorbent assigned to main and subplots, respectively. The results showed that the highest seed yield of bean, sesame, and maize obtained in the treatment of 100 percent of water requirement and application of water superabsorbent. In sesame, application of water superabsorbent in drought stress conditions (50 percent of water requirement) increased seed weight per plant, plant height, leaf area index, crop growth rate and soil nitrogen, phosphorous and pH by 24, 30, 32, 59, 20, 44 and 17 percent compared to control, respectively. In maize, the highest seed weight per plant, plant height, leaf area index, crop growth rate and soil nitrogen and pH observed in the treatment of 100 percent of water requirement and application of water superabsorbent. In all of the studied plants, the highest water use efficiency achieved in the treatment of 50 percent of water requirement and water superabsorben

کلیدواژه ها:

Crop growth rate ، Plant height ، Superabsorbent hydrogel ، Water stress ، Water requirement