For investigation the effect of zeolite on vegetative characteristics and yield components of some maize cultivars under drought stress conditions (60% of field capacity), this experiment was performed in factorial based on randomized complete block design during 2017-2019.Factors studied in this experiment included 4 levels of zeolite (zero, 5, 10 and 15 tons per hectare) and four maize cultivars (Simon, hybrid BC678, KSC703 and KSC704). Based on the results, in drought stress condition, height and fresh and dry weight of plants was reduced. Application of zeolite moderated the effect of drought stress, so that application of 10 and 15 tons per hectare of zeolite improved morphological (plant height and fresh and dry weight of plant), physiological (water use efficiency and chlorophyll content), yield and yield components (Number of seed rows per ear, number of seeds per ear, 1000-seed weight and grain yield) and biochemical traits (soluble carbohydrates, proline, protein, total phenol and peroxidase activity characteristics). Based on the results, application of zeolite under drought stress conditions intensified the increase of soluble carbohydrates, proline, protein, total phenol and peroxidase activity in plant tissues and thus modulated the effect of drought stress on morphological and yield traits. In general, use of 10 and 15 tons per hectare of zeolite were the most suitable values to moderate the effect of drought stress in the studied maize cultivars.Also, among the studied cultivars of maize, Simon cultivar showed a better response to the application of zeolite under drought stress than other cultivars and was superior to other cultivars in terms of all studied traits.
Salehi M, Zare M, Bazrafshan F, Aien A, Amiri B. Morpho-physiological and biochemical response of different maize cultivars to zeolite application under drought stress conditions. فیزیولوژی گیاهان زراعی 2024; 15 (60) :89-103 URL: http://cpj.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1373-en.html