Effect of Selenium Spraying on Yield and Growth Indices of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Under Drought Stress Condition

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of Se spraying on yield and growth indices of wheat under drought stress condition, in agriculture and natural resource research center of Tehran province in 2011-12. A split plot layout within randomized complete block design with three replications were used. main plots were three irrigation treatments (normal irrigation, non-irrigation at 50% stem elongation stage and non-irrigation at 50% flowering stage) and sub plots were three levels of Se (Na₂o₃Se) spraying (pure water, 18 and 36 mg/l Se concentration). The greatest grain yield was belonged to normal irrigation with 6425 kg/ha. It decreased to 5375 kg/ha and 3979 kg/ha for light and severe stress by 16.3% and 38% respectively. Light stress has not a significant effect on LAI and CGR, but it was significant at severe stress treatment. All traits except no. of fertile tiller, plant height and HI influenced by selenium spraying. Grain yield was increased by using selenium but was significant for low level of Se spraying. Se spraying at drought stress conditions had desirable effect on RWC, LAI and CGR and increased them.