The effect of plant growth regulators on photosynthetic pigments, grain filling components and some traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Plant Production and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Water deficit stress is one of the most important factors that reduce crop yields. Under drought stress conditions, various molecular, biochemical, physiological, morphological, and quality-related processes are disrupted (Narimani et al., 2019). Supplementary irrigation is a crucial strategy for mitigating the negative impacts of drought stress in crops. Early implementation of supplementary irrigation during dry years or at critical growth stages can help stabilize crop yields (Alkatb, 2022). Considering the role of wheat as a major source of calories and protein for the Iranian population, the relatively low yield of wheat in rainfed farming systems, and the large proportion of wheat cultivation under rainfed conditions in Iran, it is necessary to investigate strategies for increasing wheat productivity per unit area. The use of plant growth regulators can mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stresses on agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions (Nezamdoost et al., 2023). Selenium is a non-essential element for most plants but an essential micronutrient for animals and humans (Lanza et al., 2021). Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant and plant growth regulator that can enhance grain yield, yield components, and water use efficiency in wheat (Amin et al., 2008). Methanol is considered a readily absorbed carbon source for plants, and its application can enhance the growth and yield of C3 species (Huve et al., 2007). Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementary irrigation and selected growth regulators, including selenium, ascorbic acid, and methanol, on wheat growth and yield
 
Materials and methods
To investigate the effects of three irrigation regimes (supplementary irrigation at the flowering stage, supplementary irrigation at the grain filling stage, and rainfed conditions) and four plant growth regulator treatments (foliar application of selenium, ascorbic acid, methanol, and water as the control) on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of wheat, a split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted during 2023–2024 at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University. Foliar application of the growth regulators was performed at the 4–6 leaf and stem elongation stages.
 
Results and discussion
The results indicated that drought stress reduced grain yield, morphological traits, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, grain-filling rate, and grain-filling period, whereas foliar application of plant growth regulators enhanced these traits. The maximum levels of chlorophyll a (8.8 mg g⁻¹ FW), total chlorophyll (11.13 mg g⁻¹ FW), and carotenoids (4.45 mg g⁻¹ FW) were observed with the application of ascorbic acid, selenium, and selenium or ascorbic acid, respectively, under supplementary irrigation at the flowering stage. Methanol application under non-irrigated conditions resulted in the highest grain filling rate (2.66 g day⁻¹), whereas foliar application of ascorbic acid under irrigation at the grain filling stage resulted in the longest grain filling period (44.02 days) and an effective grain filling period (36.43 days). Supplementary irrigation at the grain filling stage and ascorbic acid application produced the highest grain yields (1920.58 and 1882.78 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). Grain yield increased by 5.9% and 12.6% under supplementary irrigation at the flowering and grain filling stages, respectively, compared with non-irrigated conditions. Likewise, foliar application of selenium, ascorbic acid, and methanol increased grain yield by 1.1%, 8.3%, and 7.1%, respectively, compared with the control.
 
Conclusion
Foliar application of plant growth regulators combined with supplementary irrigation may mitigate the adverse effects of water deficit stress by improving photosynthetic pigments and grain filling traits. Therefore, the combined use of these growth regulators and supplementary irrigation can improve wheat growth and yield under rainfed conditions.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Environmental Stresses in Crop Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 May 2026

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  • Receive Date: 28 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 10 April 2025

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