Effects of water deficit stress and nutrients application on yield, yield component and water use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.)

Document Type : Research Article

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of water deficit and micro nutrition application on yield, yield
component and water use efficiency in maize (KSC 704), a field experiment was carried out in the research station of Islamic Azad University- Arak Branch, Iran in 2007. This experiment was arranged in a split plot factorial based on complete randomized block design with four replicates. Main studied factors included four irrigation levels, irrigation equal crop water requirement, water deficit stress at eight- leaf stage (V8), stage of blister (R2) and grain filling in the main plot. Combined levels of selenium treatment (with and without) that applied two weeks before execution of water stress treatment at the rate of 20 g ha-1 and microelements (without and with) that was provided by specific fertilizer for maize called " biomin " which contains microelements of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, B, Mo and Mg in the form of foliar application at six-leaf stage and one week before tassling stage at the rate of 2 liter ha-1 were situated in sub plots. Results showed that significant different was found in yield, component yield, harvest index and water use efficiency under water deficit stress. The lowest grain yield
belonged to plants under water deficit stress in grain filling stage. In this stage decreased grain yield by %33 as compared with control. Effect of selenium on yield and component yield non significant, but with using selenium increased yield and yield component. Interaction effect of water deficit stress and selenium was significant. A negative antagonistic interaction was found between selenium and microelements. Effect of compound treatments on measured parameters was significant on grain yield. Using of selenium and micro nutrition with water deficit stress at eight- leaf stage and grain filling increased yield, yield component and water use efficiency as compared without using this elements in water stress condition. In general, it was concluded that using selenium and microelements would be acceptable management practice under water stress.

20.1001.1.20081472.1388.7.2.17.7

---