Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-nutrient element for animals and human, which also has some beneficial roles in many plant species. This study aimed to evaluate the application of foliar Se on canola cultivars under different irrigation regimes. The study was carried out in two consecutive years, in the form of a factorial split plot experiment, based on an RCB design with three replications. Sodium selenate solution was sprayed on the leaves of 6 winter canola exposed to 3 different irrigation regimes. The results revealed that most of the studied traits were affected by foliar selenium, especially seed yield, seed oil yield, leaf proline content and leaf chlorophyll a content. Under drought stress conditions, foliar selenium caused a significant increase in seed yield, seed oil yield, and the relative water content of leaves. According to partial regression analysis, foliar selenium changed the nature of relationships governing the traits, especially under drought stress conditions. The results showed that, selenium reduced the effects of drought stress through improving the relative water content of the leaves. Therefore, foliar selenium can be a useful strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture, especially under water deficit conditions.
Highlights
Iran, with an average annual rainfall of 240 mm, is located in the arid and semi-arid belt regions of the world
The levels of irrigation regimes and foliar application of sodium selenate were randomly assigned to main plots, while canola genotypes were randomly distributed among sub plots
The results showed that water deficit reduced TSW significantly
Summary
With an average annual rainfall of 240 mm, is located in the arid and semi-arid belt regions of the world. More than 60% of Iranian lands is located in the arid and semi-arid regions in which, water scarcity is the most important limiting factor for agricultural activities (Modarres & de Paulo Rodrigues da Silva 2007). Studies have shown that under water deficit condition, oxidative stress reduces plant growth, respiration, and photosynthesis through damaging cellular compounds, such as carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins (Ahmad et al 2016). Studies have shown water scarcity has an undesirable effect on most of the morphological and agronomic characteristics of this plant (Ullah et al 2012; Badrooj et al 2016; Jaberi et al 2016; Pavlista et al 2016; Said-Al Ahl et al 2016). Masoud Sinaki et al (2007) reported that the highest decrease in canola performance was observed during water deficit at the pod development stage Most crop plants are sensitive to drought stress, especially at flowering, pollination, and seed filling stages (Thomas et al 2004). Masoud Sinaki et al (2007) reported that the highest decrease in canola performance was observed during water deficit at the pod development stage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call