Does Zeolite Affect the Size of Aerial Parts of Lathyrus sativus under Drought Stress?

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different rates of zeolites and drought stress on some morphological traits in Lathyrus sativus. Factors were considered as two levels of irrigation (irrigation at field capacity (FC) and 50 % FC) was applied in two-leaf stage and four levels of zeolites (0, 10, 20 and 30 ton/ha). Results of ANOVA indicated the significant interaction effect between irrigation and zeolite on the number of leaf, leaf area, leaf length, leaf width and stem diameter. Water deficit stress significantly decreased these traits, whereas the application of zeolites compensated the negative effect of drought stress, especially in high rates of zeolite application (30 ton/ha). The highest number of leaves (80.19), leaf area (18629.97 mm2), leaf width (4.98 mm), leaf length (60.19 mm) were obtained from application of 30 ton/ha zeolites in irrigation at FC (normal irrigation).

Keywords:

Lathyrus sativus , Leaf , Stem , Water stress , Zeolite