Effect of Silicon application on Physiological characteristics and Grain Yield of Wheat under Drought stress condition

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of Silicon application on some physiological characteristics and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under drought stress condition, an experiment was conducted in Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Khuzestan, at 2012. The experiment was arranged in split-plots design in RCBD (Randomized Complete Blocks Design) with three replications. Treatments of experiment were drought stress (irrigation after 25, 50 and 75% depletion of Available Water Content) in main plots and different levels of silicon (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg Si.ha -1 ) arranged in sub-plots. The results showed that drought stress was significant on all traits. The drought stress led to increased electrolyte leakage and silicon concentration in shoot and other parameters were decreased. The intensive drought has most effect on grain yield (down 38%) and electrolyte leakage (up 36%). So that application of 10 kg Si.ha -1 of silicon was no significant effect ,but 30 kg Si.ha -1 of silicon led to decrease electrolyte leakage 16.5% and increased superoxide dismutase activity, grain Potassium and flag leaf and grain silicon concentration respectively, 18 , 14.6 , 28.5, 31.7 and 6% compared to control. In general, the results showed a positive effect of silicon on wheat plant under stress conditions that were higher than when the plant is under no stress condition.