Effect of Zeolites and Zinc on the Physiological Characteristics of Canola under Late-Season Drought Stress

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch was performed during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons to investigate the effect of zeolites and zinc foliar application on the physiological characteristics of canola cultivars at different moisture regimes. A factorial split-plot experiment was performed on the basis of the randomized complete block design with three replications in the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. The treatments were as follows: (1) irrigation (I), complete (I1), and restricted (I2) at the pod formation stage, (2) zeolite (Z), 0 (Z1), and 15 t ha−1 (Z2), and (3) (Zn), zinc sulfate concentrations of 0%, 0.1%, and 0.2% (Zn1, Zn2, and Zn3) at the pod formation stage. These treatments were applied on Licord, RGS003, and Opera cultivars. Although applying Z and Zn had positive effects on the quality of canola, the highest performance and the best results were obtained using a combination of Z and Zn. The combined application of Z and Zn increased the relative water content, yield, and oil yield and decreased the stomatal resistance and canopy temperature. Therefore, with the low cost of natural Z and moderate Zn intake, these treatments can be used to enhance the performance of canola, especially in regions frequently subjected to water stress.