Integrated Use of Potassium Fertilizer and Water Schedules on Growth and Yield of Two Wheat Genotypes under Arid Environment in Saudi Arabia 1- Effect on Growth Characters

Abstract

Drought is a global problem reducing plant growth and productivity worldwide. Under arid and semiarid regions of the world, where limited rainfall, high evapo-transpiration and high temperature, agronomic practices play serious role in leaf water content and plant water required. Field experiments were conducted in Agriculture Research Station, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University during two successive seasons to study the effect of three irrigation schedules (50,100 and 150 mm of cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) and three rates of potassium fertilizers (100,200 and 300 kg K O / ha) on growth parameters 2 of two wheat genotypes (Yecora Rojo and Line L95-2). Data obtained, clearly indicated that gradual decrease in most of growth studied parameters are in line with decreasing irrigation schedules. Results also showed that, no significant difference was evident between irrigation at 100 and 150 mm of CPE with regard to studied growth characters. The results indicated also that K rates influenced growth vigor mostly through leaf area and dry matter which in turn influence successively (RGR) and (NAR). However, significant differences among wheat genotypes were observed in all traits. Selected local genotype L95-2 surpassed the introduced one Yecora Rojo.