Effects of potassium and iron on yield of corn (Zea mays L.) in drought stress

Abstract

In hot and arid regions, drought stress is considered as one of the main reasons for yield reduction. To study the effect of drought stress, Iron and potassium spray on the yield and yield components of corn, an experiment was carried out during the crop seasons of 2010 and 2011 on Abosaeid research field of Mahvellat as a split factorial within randomized complete block design with three replicates. The main plots with irrigation factor and three levels were considered: irrigation per 6, 9 and 12 days. Subplots were considered with and without Iron and potassium spray. The irrigation reduced the grain yield in irrigation per 12 more than other stages. Irrigation effects significantly on chlorophyll value, leaf relative water content, stem, ear and leaves dry weight, number grain in ear and row, number row in ear, unfilled seed percentage and thousand grains weight. Iron increased the seed yield and yield component, except unfilled seed percentage and SPAD. Using K, as compared with control treatment, causes the increase of grain yield, 1000 grains weight and number grain in ear 16.5, 9 and 5.5% respectively. Potassium could somewhat reduce the impact drought stress on corn.