Effect of spraying iron, zinc and using superabsorbent on grain yield and some biochemical properties of maize under drought stress

Abstract

Nutrients such as iron and zinc play a vital role in controlling the negative effects of drought stress through the synthesis of enzymes, maintenance of cell membrane, and activation of antioxidant defense system. Due to these biochemical properties, an experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of spraying iron, zinc and using superabsorbent on grain yield and some of biochemical properties of maize under drought stress in a randomized complete block design in Shooshtar city during the years 2017–2018. The experimental treatments included three levels of drought stress (Irrigation after 30%, 40% and 50% evaporation). Sub-plots consisted of superabsorbent polymer at two levels (control and 200 kg/ha) and combination of iron and zinc (control, iron, zinc, and iron-zinc). The results showed that drought stress affected chlorophyll, proline, iron grain concentration, nitrogen percent, grain protein and grain yield. Drought stress caused a significant reduction in yield. The percentage of grain protein was significantly increased in irrigation treatment at 50% of farming capacity. The highest grain yield and chlorophyll index was observed in 30% irrigation treatment. Spraying iron and zinc significantly increased the grain yield, chlorophyll index, iron, and zinc concentrations. Furthermore, drought stress and superabsorbent interacted significantly on grain yield. The interaction among drought stress and superabsorbent elements had significant effects on zinc and iron concentration. The present study suggests that using 200 kg/ha superabsorbent polymer and spraying iron and zinc under the 40% post-discharge irrigation may improve grain yield and biochemical features of maize.