The effect of irrigation-off on ... concentration of different elements in corn hybrid K.S.C. 704

Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3497-3504
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Advances in Environmental Biology
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The effect of irrigation-off on some growth stages and Zinc Sulfate spraying on the
concentration of different elements in corn hybrid K.S.C. 704
H. Mousavi, Sh. Lack, M. Alavifazel
Department of Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khuzestan, Iran
ARTICLE INFO
Article history:
Received 6 September 2013
Received in revised form 14 October
2013
Accepted 15 October 2013
Available online 14 November 2013
Key words:
Corn, irrigation-off, zinc sulfate
spraying, elements’ concentration
ABSTRACT
In order to study the effects of irrigation-off at some growth stages and zinc sulfate
spraying on the concentration of different elements in corn hybrid K.S.C 704, an
experiment was done in summer 2011-2012 in the form of split plot based on
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main factor
included irrigation with three levels (complete irrigation (control), irrigation-off at
tasseling stage, and irrigation-off at milking stage). The second factor included zinc
sulfate spraying with four levels of (without spraying, spraying at the stage of eight
leaves, spraying at the stage of twelve leaves and simultaneous spraying at the stages of
eight and twelve leaves). The results indicated that the highest concentration of Zn, K,
Fe, P, Na and the percent of grain nitrogen is related to the irrigation-off at the tasseling
stage and the least concentration was at the complete irrigation stage. Considering
spraying, the highest concentration of Zn, Na and P was at the spraying treatment at the
eight leaves stage and the least was at the without spraying treatment. The correlation of
irrigation and zinc sulfate was not significant on the concentration of any of the
elements except for the concentration of Mn. In general, irrigation treatment had no
significant effect on the concentration of measured elements, while zinc sulfate
spraying significantly increased the concentration of Zn, P, Mn and the percent of the
grain nitrogen. It seems that with the consumption of Zn, the plant ability to regulate the
amounts of Zn, N, and P increases so that they will be absorbed at the right amount by
the roots and will be sent to above ground parts but because of the negative interaction
of Zn and Mn, with the increase in Zn in grain, the Mn concentration decreases.
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INTRODUCTION
Drought is considered to be the most important non-living limitative element of growth and yield in plants
[9]. Dry stress is one of the general stresses which impose very negative effects on plant growth and producing
agronomic plants [42]. Dry stress not only has negative effects on yield, but also may intensify or create some
other stresses especially the stress of “lack of nutritious components” in plants. Dry stress may cause some
problems in absorbing process or the process of nutrient accumulation, this can not only lead to fertilizer loss
but also causes decrease in yield of grain and plants [10]. The effect of dry stress on absorbing process and the
process of nutrient accumulation has been distinct in different growth periods and by increasing the needs of
plant to nutrition at every growth stage, the effect of dry stress has also been increased in that period [42, 26].
Biglouei et al., [6] reported that the increase of dry stress in K.S.C.704 corn, led to increase of protein
percentage. They also declared that grain protein in irrigation treatments after 50, 75 and 100 percent water
depletion, were relatively 5.8, 7.2 and 7.4. The studies of researchers have indicated that, lack of organic
materials and existence of alkali reaction in calcareous soils can lead to lack of micronutrients in these soils [4].
Zinc is considered to be one of the smallest nutritious elements for many organisms. Nearly 200 enzymes and
transcription elements of zinc need it as one of the most essential components. Zinc plays an important role in
protein and carbohydrates syntheses. It also has effects on growth of stem and root [17]. Superoxide dismutase
enzyme existing in chloroplast in which copper and zinc has been used in its structure, plays an important role in
removing free radicals of produced oxygen caused by dry tension [18]. It has been verified that zinc plays an
important role in protecting the health of membranes and endurance of seedlings against terricolous diseases. In
lack of zinc conditions, the formation of male organs will be decreased, the pollen will be hurt, pollination will
have problem and finally yield will extremely become decreased. The reason of it is due to decrease of indole
acetic acid amount [7]. Marshner [23] reported that, by increasing consumption of Iron and zinc in corn, we can
witness that the total amount of carbohydrate and grain protein is increased, and as a result the gain weight,
number of grains and at last yield will be increased as well. Fecenko and Lozek [12] studied the effect of zinc
Corresponding Author: Sh. Lack, M. Alavifazel, Department of Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Khuzestan, Iran
E-mail: [email protected]
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Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3497-3504
sources on yield, protein percentage and macronutrient absorption in corn, and they witnessed that by three
years of manure, the average amount of grain protein was significantly increased. Tahmasebi et al., [39]
declared that by increasing amounts of zinc, absorption of nitrogen will be decreased by the plant, yet potassium
absorption will be increased. They also concluded that the most balanced status between nitrogen, phosphor and
potassium absorption with 20 kilograms zinc sulfate per hectare was observed in saline soils. Ziaeian [43]
reported that zinc usage had no significant effect on amount of protein. Irdal et al., [11] reported that getting use
of zinc in wheat can lead to decrease of phosphor concentration and phytic acid in wheat grains. Aziz Zade
Firuzi et al., [5], declared that using zinc can increase the protein of wheat grains up to 19.6 percent. Due to the
fact that our country is located in arid and semi-arid lands of the world, it seems that by optimized usage of
water resources and through increasing the mechanism of endurance in agronomic plants against dry tension, we
can pace towards constant production of agronomic products. The purpose of this research has been studying the
effects of zinc sulfate spraying under dry tension situation, on amount of nutrient absorption and grain yield in
corn hybrid K.S.C. 704.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This research has been conducted in the form of split plot based on randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with three replications. This experiment was performed in summer 2011. The soil texture of the farm
was silty clay. K.S.C704 corn hybrid which was categorized in serotinous group with 125 to 135 days of growth
duration was cultivated at the beginning of August. The main factor was including water deficit stress in three
levels of no-stress (control) (I1), irrigation- off at tasselling stage (I2) and irrigation- off at milking stage (I3).
Also the second factor was including zinc sulfate spraying at four levels without spraying (control) (F1),
spraying at the stage of eight leaves (F2), spraying at the stage of twelve leaves (F3) and simultaneous spraying
at the stages of eight and twelve leaves (F4). Fertilizer spraying was conducted from ZnSo4, 7H2o source, three
times with concentration of 2.5 grams per 1000 cc water while sunset at three stages of 8 leaves, 12 leaves and
simultaneous 8 and 12 leaves. Sprayings were conducted while sunset because the temperature was low so that
the compounds do not get evaporated while spraying, also because there was the minimum sun light as a result
we could first prevent negative effects of the light and second the plants had enough time to absorb the solution
until the next morning. Moreover, in order to prevent the impact of zinc sulfate from plots under spraying to
other plots, a screen with 6 meters length and 2 meters width was devised between subsidiary plots. In order to
analyze the concentration of grain elements under the effect of different treatments, total 9 samples were
obtained from each subsidiary plot. The first sampling was done 10 days after pollination, and the next 8
samplings were done with 5-day interval until the physiological maturity. In each sampling, 5 plants were
harvested from each subsidiary plot, and for relative stability of grain weight in the maize section [32], grains
existing in loops 16 and 17 were separated from the bottom of the maize and were weighed after 48 hours of
drying in an oven with 72 . In order to calculate dry weight of single grain in each sampling, the total dry
weight of grains was divided by the number of them. 1-gram samples were randomly prepared from harvested
grains in each plot, and they were used for measuring the concentration of micronutrient elements such as
copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. First, corn grains were powdered by milling machine; then, their
elements concentration was measured by the atomic absorption device (Model GBC932, made in Australia).
This was done by pouring 1 gram of corn grain flour of each sample in a 250-milliliter flask and adding a little
(about 2-3 CC) 1-normal chloric acid (30 CC of concentrated HCL in 1 liter of distilled water or 15 CC of HCL
in 500 CC of distilled water). Then we put the prepared solution in water bath so that it is heated and frothed.
This led to the release of nitrogen from the solution. When water was entirely evaporated, 15 CC of chloric acid
and 5 CC of concentrated nitric acid were added, and it was put in the water bath again. After several hours of
being heated, it was colored brown to black. When the existing 20-22 CC volume was decreased to about 1 CC,
5 CC of perchloric acid was added. Once more this solution was put in water bath until a volume of 1-2 CC was
obtained. Finally, this solution was volumized by 1% nitric acid in a 50-milliliter volumetric flask. Then the
concentration of the mentioned elements was measured using atomic absorption device (Model GBC932, made
in Australia) [20].
In order to measure the amount of phosphor, potassium and sodium, dry ash with chloridric acid was used.
In this method, a specified weight (1 gram) of powdered samples of corn grain was transferred to a 25milliliteres porcelain crucible, and the heat of the electric furnace was set to 550 , and ashing process was
began by placing the porcelain crucible into the furnace. The samples were maintained about 4 or more hours
inside the electric furnace so that the organic matter was burnt entirely, and plant materials were transformed
into ash. After the crucible has been cooled, 10 milliliters of 2-normal chloridric acid were added to the plant
sample, and it was heated slowly over the heater until half of the acid was evaporated. The prepared solution
was then passed through a filter paper, and the filtered extract was agglomerated in a 50-milliliter volumetric
flask. In order to wash away the residuals in the funnel, an amount of warm distilled water was added to the
filter paper, and the extract was retransferred to the volumetric flask. Then we added sufficient amount of
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Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3497-3504
distilled water to the volumetric flask so that the final volume of the extract becomes 50 milliliters. By shaking
the volumetric flask, the extract was completely mixed, and we stored it in clean containers in the refrigerator
for the purpose of chemical analysis [20]. In order to measure the amount of phosphor, colorimetry method and
spectrophotometer device with ammonium – ammonium molybdate and anadate reagents were used for
determining the percent of phosphor [3]. In order to measure the concentration of potassium and sodium in the
obtained plant extract, the flame photometer device was used [20]. For statistical analysis and for traits
correlation we used statistical software SAS and MSTATC software respectively. Also, in order to compare the
means, the Duncan test was used (due to the existence of control). Drawing diagrams and histograms was done
by Excel.
Conclusions and Discussion:
Grain Yield:
The results from analysis of variance for grain yield showed that the effect of irrigation treatment and zinc
sulfate spraying on grain yield was significant at 1% probability level, while their interaction was not significant
(Table 1). The results of mean comparison showed that the highest grain yield was observed at irrigation
treatment (desired irrigation) with 9446 kg he-1, and the lowest grain yield, with 20% difference, was observed
at irrigation-off treatment at tasselling stage with 7559 kg he-1 (Table 2). Pandey et al., [27] stated that the
maximum water consumption by the corn is almost when silk rating or immediately after that. Water deficit
when tasselling and silk rating along with decreased grain number per ear decreases grain yield the most.
Therefore, the main cause of decreased grain yield in drought stress treatments seemed to be significant decrease
in grain number per ear. This result was also supported by the other researchers [22, 24]. Due to zinc sulfate
spraying, the highest grain yield was observed at spraying treatment at the level of both eight and twelve leaves
(simultaneously) with 9077 kg he-1, and the lowest grain yield, with 14% difference, was observed at withoutspraying treatment with 7800 kg he-1 (Table 2). Increased grain yield in corn was proved by some researchers to
be resulted by application of low-used elements specially zinc [23]. Increased grain yield was attributed to
improved pollination and inoculation, non-hollowness of maize, and modified absorption of nutrients. Carsky
and Reid [8] suggested that by using zinc fertilizer during four years, grain yield in corn increased by 20%,
except in one year. Thalooth et al., [41] reported that zinc spraying under water stress conditions, had positive
effect on growth, yield, and yield components of plants. The findings of this experiment conformed to the
results obtained by Sheykhbagloo et al., [38].
Biological Yield:
Analysis of variance for the data indicated that the effect of the treatments surveyed on biological yield at
1% probability level was significant, while their interaction on biological yield was not significant (Table 1).
The results of mean comparison showed that the highest biological yield was observed at irrigation treatment
(desired irrigation) with 19240 kg he-1, and the lowest biological yield, with 17% difference, was observed at
irrigation-off treatment at tasselling stage with 15910 kg he-1 (Table 2). Biological yield indicates that a
cultivated plant is able to change its real photosynthesis into pure photosynthesis. Decreased real photosynthesis
and increased plant respiration are two factors which decrease pure photosynthesis and, as a result, biological
yield of the plant. Each of these factors by itself or together are able to decrease pure photosynthesis and,
consequently, biological yield of the plant. One of the first effects of moisture stress on photosynthetic system is
caused by increased mesophilic resistance, so that of 50% of decrease in photosynthesis level, two third is
attributed to mesophilic resistance and the remaining one third to increased stomatal resistance [15]. Therefore,
because drought stress causes these two factors, biological yield decreases. In the case of effect of zinc sulfate
spraying, the highest biological yield was obtained at spraying treatment at the level of eight and twelve leaves
simultaneously with 18610 kg he-1, and the lowest biological yield, with 12% difference, at without-spraying
treatment up to 16280 kg he-1 (Table 2). Increased dry matter due to use of zinc sulfate can be caused by
increased auxin biosynthesis [36], increased chlorophyll concentration, increased activity of Phosphoenol
piruvate Carboxilase, and Ribolose Bisphosphate Carboxylase, decreased Sodium accumulation in plant
textures, and increased efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus absorption in the presence of zinc [19].
Harvest Index:
The effect of the treatments surveyed as well as their interaction on harvest index was not significant (Table
1). Irrigation treatment seemed to decrease grain yield and biological yield at the same extent and spraying
treatment increase grain yield and biological yield at the same extent. Therefore, harvest index was not
influenced by the treatments surveyed (Table 3).
Zinc Concentration in Grain:
The analysis of variance for zinc showed that the effect of irrigation treatment as well as its interaction with
zinc sulfate spraying was not significant, while the effect of zinc sulfate spraying was significant at 1%
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probability level (Table 1). The results of mean comparison showed that the highest zinc concentration was
obtained at irrigation-off treatment as tasselling stage up to 0.045 mg/kg and the lowest, with 7% difference, at
irrigation (desired irrigation) treatment up to 0.042 mg/kg (Table 2). With drought stress occurred, concentration
of elements in grain increased, while total absorption of elements by grain showed a decrease, because of
intensive decrease of grain yield with increased drought stress severity, making physiological tank of elements
(grain) small and, as a result, increasing concentration and decreasing total absorption of elements by grain [30].
In the case of the effect of spraying, the highest zinc concentration was observed at spraying treatment at the
level of eight leaves up to 0.05 mg/kg and the lowest zinc concentration, with 40% difference, at withoutspraying treatment up to 0.03 mg/kg (Table 2). Pearson and Rengel [28] studied the mobilization of iron and
zinc from the root and remobilization from the leaves and found that zinc showed a high remobilization, while
remobilization of manganese was low. Mobilization of iron in phloem was moderate [21]. Peck et al., [29]
reported that zinc spraying doubled zinc concentration in grain. The value of micronutrients in grain depends on
their absorption value from root during grain growth and development as well as the value of remobilization
from vegetative tissues through phloem to grain [13]. Hamilton et al., [16] reported increased zinc concentration
in corn with application of zinc sulfate. Similar results were reported by Takkar et al., [40], Safaya [33], and
Sharma et al., [37].
Potassium Concentration of Grain:
The analysis of variance for potassium showed that the effect of irrigation treatment as well as its
interaction with zinc sulfate spraying was not significant, while the effect of zinc sulfate spraying was
significant at 1% probability level (Table 1). In the case of zinc sulfate spraying, the highest potassium
concentration was obtained at spraying treatment at the level of 12 leaves up to 3.90 mg/kg and the lowest
potassium concentration, with 15% difference, at without-spraying treatment up to 3.30 mg/kg (Table 1). Sajedi
et al., [35] stated that irrigation levels with zinc use increased potassium absorption and grain protein by 50%
and 75%, respectively. The highest potassium percentage (0.922) and grain protein percentage (10.10) were
obtained from the interaction of irrigation (equal to 50% of water need of plant) and 25 kg/he-1 of zinc sulfate. In
this treatment, potassium value and grain protein increased compared to desired irrigation treatment. The results
from this study conform to the results of Abdmooez [1] and Gonzales et al., [14]. They knew this ion's active
absorption mechanism and release of potassium ion among from clay layers and increased potassium ion
concentration and, as a result, increased potassium absorption as the cause of more potassium absorption.
Tahmasebi et al., [39] reported that with increased zinc values, nitrogen absorption by plant decreased, while
potassium absorption increased.
Iron Concentration of Grain:
The results from analysis of variance showed that the effect of the treatments surveyed as well as their
interaction on iron concentration in grain were not significant (Table 1). In the case of spraying, the highest iron
concentration was obtained at without-spraying treatment up to 0.11 mg/kg and the lowest iron concentration,
with 9% difference, at spraying treatment at the level of 8 and 12 leaves (simultaneously) up to 0.10 mg/kg
(Table 2). Zinc and iron have negative interaction. Increased zinc concentration decreases iron concentration in
plant, and on the other hand, iron decreases contingent toxicity of zinc in plant [34]. The findings of this study
conformed to the findings of Rafiee et al., [30].
Magnesium Concentration of Grain:
The results from analysis of variance showed that the effect of the treatment surveyed and their interaction
on magnesium concentration were not significant (Table 1). In the case of the effect of zinc sulfate spraying, the
highest magnesium concentration was obtained at spraying treatment at the level of 8 leaves up to 0.73 mg/kg
and the lowest concentration, with 8% difference, at spraying treatment at the level of 8 and 12 leaves
(simultaneously) up to 0.6 mg/kg (Table 2). Although zinc sulfate spraying increased magnesium concentration,
zinc use, in general, had no significant effect on this element concentration and absorption. In other words, zinc
sulfate spraying used in this experiment could not inhibit this element absorption, and statistically, spraying
levels were put in one group (Table 2).
Manganese Concentration of Grain:
The results from analysis of variance showed that the effect of different levels of irrigation treatment on
manganese concentration was not significant, while the effect of spraying treatment levels and its interaction
with irrigation treatment at 1% probability level were significant (Table 1). The highest manganese
concentration was obtained from irrigation-off treatment at milking stage up to 0.28 mg/kg and the lowest, with
7% difference, from irrigation (desired irrigation) treatment up to 0.26 mg/kg (Table 2). Although the effect of
irrigation treatment levels on this factor was not significant, Rafiee et al., [30] stated that with drought stress,
concentration of elements in grain increased, while total element absorption by grain decreased. He suggested
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that the cause of this severely decreased grain yield with increased drought stress, making physiological tank of
elements (grain) small and, as a result, increasing concentration and decreasing total element absorption in
grain. This contradicts the findings from this study. In the case of spraying, the highest manganese concentration
was observed at without-spraying treatment up to 0.3 mg/kg and the lowest concentration, with 33% difference,
at spraying treatment at the level of 12 leaves up to 0.2 mg/kg (Table 2). In a study conducted in 10 provinces of
Iran on the role of low-used elements in increasing wheat grain production, it was found that with increased
concentration of low-used nutrient elements, wheat grain yield increased significantly, but due to negative
interaction of zinc with iron and manganese, with increased zinc concentration in wheat grain, iron and
manganese concentration decreased [34]. Generally, the causes of negative interaction of zinc with iron and
manganese in wheat grain in the said study can be summarized as follows:
Dilution effect: with increased grain yield per use of an element, concentration of other elements decreases.
Nutrient elements may compete with each other for occupying similar position and place on similar carriers.
Nutrient elements including zinc, iron, and manganese may compete with each other in processes of absorption
and mobilization from root to aerial organs. The value of wheat need for iron and manganese is more than zinc.
In greenhouse researches on interactions of manganese and zinc, Ming and Yin [25] showed that by using any of
these elements, concentration of other elements decreases severely. They showed that by using zinc, zinc
concentration in grain increased from 52 to 107 mg/kg, while manganese concentration decreased from 60 to 38
mg/kg. Rengel and Graham [31], in their studies, found that with increased zinc concentration in wheat grain,
concentration of the other elements especially iron and manganese decreased. They knew "dilution effect" as the
cause. The above researchers showed that by using 0.8 mg zinc in soil, iron and manganese concentrations
decreased from 23 and 39 mg/kg to 18 and 21 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, the results of mean comparison
of the interaction of drought stress and zinc sulfate spraying showed that the highest manganese concentration
was obtained from I2F1 (drought stress at tasselling stage and without-spraying) treatment up to 0.362 mg/kg and
the lowest concentration, with 36% difference, from I1F1 (desired irrigation and without-spraying) treatment up
to 0.233 mg/kg (Table 2). The significant nature of the interaction of drought stress with zinc sulfate spraying on
element absorption in grain indicated severe effect of drought stress on yield and intensive competition between
different elements for absorption [30]. Mass flow of water in the soil is of the factors affecting availability and
absorption of elements, and this caused drought stress and zinc sulfate spraying to have significant effect on this
factor.
Sodium Concentration of Grain:
The results from analysis of variance showed that the effect of the treatments surveyed as well as their
interaction on sodium concentration were not significant (Table 1). The highest sodium concentration was
observed at irrigation-off treatment at tasselling stage up to 0.28 mg/kg and the lowest sodium concentration,
with 10% difference, at irrigation (desired irrigation) treatment up to 0.25 mg/kg (Table 2). Although the effect
of irrigation treatment levels on this factor was not significant, Rafiee et al., [30] stated that with drought stress
occurred, element concentration in grain increased, while total element absorption by grain decreased. He
reported that the cause of this fact to be severely decreased grain yield with increased drought stress, making
physiological sink of elements (grain) small and, as a result, increasing concentration and decreasing total
element absorption in grain. This contradicts the findings of this study. In the case of the effect of zinc sulfate
spraying, the highest sodium concentration was observed at spraying treatment at the level of 8 leaves up to 0.29
mg/kg and the lowest sodium concentration, with 10% difference, at without-spraying treatment up to 0.26
mg/kg (Table 2). Although zinc sulfate spraying increased sodium concentration, zinc use, generally, had no
significant effect on this element concentration and absorption.
Phosphorus Concentration of Grain:
The results from analysis of variance showed that the effect of the treatments surveyed as well as their
interaction on phosphorus concentration in grain were not significant (Table 1). The highest phosphorus
concentration was obtained from irrigation-off treatment at tasselling stage up to 2.43 mg/kg and the lowest
phosphorus concentration, with 15% difference, from irrigation-off treatment at milking stage up to 1.82 mg/kg.
Although the effect of irrigation treatment levels on this factor was not significant, Rafiee et al., [30] stated that
with drought stress occurred, element concentration in grain increased, while total element absorption by grain
decreased. He reported that the cause of this fact to be severely decreased grain yield with increased drought
stress, making physiological sink of elements (grain) small and, as a result, increasing concentration and
decreasing total element absorption in grain. This contradicts the findings of this study. In the case of the effect
of zinc sulfate spraying, the highest phosphorus concentration was observed at spraying treatment at the level of
8 leaves up to 2.26 mg/kg and the lowest phosphorus concentration, with 23% difference, at without-spraying
treatment up to 1.74 mg/kg. Although zinc sulfate spraying increased phosphorus concentration, zinc use,
generally, had no significant effect on this element concentration and absorption. In other words, zinc sulfate
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spraying used in this experiment could not inhibit this element absorption, and statistically, spraying levels were
put in one group (Table 2).
Table 1: Summary of the results of the analysis of grain yield variance, biological yield, harvest index and the concentration of different elements in which mean- of square is shown.
Mean-of square
Sources of
Degree
Grain yield
Biological
Harvest
Zn
K
Fe
Mg
Mn
Na
P
N
changes
of
yield
index
freedom
Block
2
302245.083
777628.51
9.108
0.0001
1.108
0.0001
0.183
0.0002
0.002
2.169
0.055
Irrigation
2
10972560.33**
33786291.33**
8.302n.s
0.00001n.s
0.466n.s
0.001n.s
0.010n.s
0.0023n.s
0.003n.s
1.158n.s
0.082n.s
Error of
4
258136.92
458289.63
7.223
0.0002
0.7
0.003
0.158
0.0021
0.002
0.953
0.154
main plots
**
**
n.s
**
**
n.s
n.s
n.s
n.s
Spraying
3
2674228.85
8246721.34
5.137
0.0007
0.64
0.0003
0.026
0.0051
0.003
0.538
0.066*
zinc sulfate
Irrigation *
6
90236.41n.s
615969.07n.s
3.998n.s
0.001n.s
0.182n.s
0.0001n.s
0.019n.s
0.0053**
0.004n.s
0.333n.s
0.014n.s
spraying
Error
18
191780.42
313585.94
2.971
0.00002
0.121
0.0001
0.009
0.001
0.002
0.204
0.018
Coefficient
5.21
3.21
3.58
10.92
9.71
10.01
14.28
11
15.83
21.46
8.76
of Variance
(percent)
n.s
, * and ** respectively, non-significant, significant in probability level 5% and 1%
Table 2: Mean comparison of the effect of interaction of irrigation cut off and zinc sulfate spraying on grain yield, biological yield, harvest index and concentration elements using Duncan
test
quantitative traits
concentration elements
Grain
Biological
Harvest
Experimental treatments
Zn
K
Fe
Mg
Mn
Na
P
N
yield
yield
index
(Kilogram per hectare)
(Percent)
(Milligram per Kilogram)
(Percent)
Irrigation
Optimal
irrigation
9446a
19240a
49.06a
0.043a
3.393a
0.098a
0.677a
0.264a
0.256a
2.063a
1.462a
(control)
Lack of irrigation while
appearance of male
7559c
15910c
47.50a
0.045a
3.786a
0.112a
0.679a
0.286a
0.287a
2.438a
1.628a
corymb
Lack of irrigation in
8232b
17230b
47.78a
0.044a
3.563a
0.1a
0.627a
0.288a
0.283a
1.821a
1.559a
milk stage
Zinc Sulfate spraying
No spraying (control)
7800c
16280c
47.86a
0.034c
3.303c
0.11a
0.669ab
0.307a
0.256a
1.746b
1.441b
8-leaf stage
8577b
17610b
48.70a
0.043b
3.670ab
0.1b
0.727a
0.291ab
0.291a
2.260a
1.521ab
12-leaf stage
8194bc
17340b
47.16a
0.056a
3.908a
0.1b
0.651ab
0.298c
0.288a
2.168ab
1.617a
8- and 12-leaf stage
9077a
18610a
48.73a
0.043b
3.440bc
0.1b
0.596b
0.261bc
0.262a
2.255a
1.620a
The means which have similar letters in each column do not have significant difference based on Duncan test in probability level of 5
Table 3: Mean comparison of the effect of interaction of irrigation cut off and zinc sulfate spraying on grain yield, biological yield, harvest
index and concentration elements using Duncan test
Experimental
quantitative traits
concentration elements
treatments
Interactions
Grain
Biologic
Harvest
Zn
K
Fe
Mg
Mn
Na
p
N
(I × F)
yield
al yield
index
(Kilogram per
(Percent)
(Kilogram per Milligram)
(Percent)
hectare)
I1 × F1
9028a
18420a
49a
0.034a
3.16a
0.1a
0.62a
0.23c
0.24a
2.1a
1.41a
I1 × F2
9424a
19400a
48.57a
0.04a
3.53a 0.097a 0.69a 0.27bc
0.24a
1.94a
1.43a
I1 × F3
9328a
19060a
48.90a
0.06a
3.44a
0.1a
0.78a 0.28bc
0.31a
2.26a
1.50a
I1 × F4
10000a
20090a
49.77a
0.04a
3.44a
0.09a
0.62a
0.27c
0.23a
1.95a
1.51a
I2 × F1
6813a
14150a
48.13a
0.035a
3.41a
0.12a
0.71a
0.36a
0.27a
1.97a
1.43a
I2 × F2
7765a
16360a
47.47a
0.04a
3.67a
0.11a
0.72a 0.27bc
0.33a
2.47a
1.62a
I2 × F3
7257a
15570a
46.60a
0.06a
4.49a
0.11a
0.62a
0.24c
0.29a
2.51a
1.78a
I2 × F4
8400a
17570a
47.80a
0.05a
3.58a
0.12a
0.65a
0.26c
0.24a
2.8a
1.67a
I3 × F1
7560a
16270a
46.43a
0.034a
3.34a
0.12a
0.68a 0.33bc
0.25a
1.17a
1.48a
I3 × F2
8540a
17070a
50.07a
0.05a
3.81a 0.098a 0.77a 0.33bc
0.3a
2.37a
1.51a
I3 × F3
7999a
17410a
45.97a
0.05a
3.80a 0.096a 0.53a
0.25c
0.26a
1.73a
1.56a
I3 × F4
8829a
18170a
48.63a
0.04a
3.3a
0.09a
0.52a
0.25c
0.31a
2.02a
1.68a
The means which have similar letters in each column do not have significant difference based on Duncan test in probability level of 5%
I1) Irrigation in all stages of growth (control)
F1) no spraying
I2) Irrigation-off at tasselling stage
F2) spraying in 8-leaf stage
I3) Irrigation-off at milking stage
F3) spraying in 12-leaf stage
F4) spraying in 8- and 12-leaf stage
Nitrogen Percentage of Grain:
The results from analysis of variance showed that the effect of irrigation treatment as well as its interaction
with zinc sulfate spraying on nitrogen percentage in grain was not significant, while the effect of zinc sulfate
spraying on this factor was significant at 5% probability level (Table 1). The highest nitrogen percentage was
obtained from irrigation-off treatment at tasselling stage up to 1.62% and the lowest nitrogen percentage, with
10% difference, from irrigation (desired irrigation) treatment up to 1.46%. Although the effect of irrigation
treatment levels on this factor was not significant, Rafiee et al., [30] stated that with drought stress occurred,
element concentration in grain increased, while total element absorption by grain decreased. He reported that the
cause of this fact to be severely decreased grain yield with increased drought stress, making physiological sink
of elements (grain) small and, as a result, increasing concentration and decreasing total element absorption in
grain. This contradicts the findings of this study. In the case of the effect of zinc sulfate spraying, the highest
3503
Sh. Lack, M. Alavifazel
Advances in Environmental Biology, 7(11) Oct 2013, Pages: 3497-3504
nitrogen percentage was observed at spraying treatment at the level of 8 and 12 leaves (simultaneously) up to
1.62% and the lowest nitrogen percentage, with 11% difference, at without-spraying treatment up to 1.44%.
Sajedi [34] stated that by using zinc, the value of nitrogen absorption, potassium, phosphorus, and protein
percentage increase compared to full irrigation. The results from this study conform to the results of Azizzadeh
et al., [5] and Erdal et al., [11] about phosphorus in wheat, and contradict the results of Ziaeian [43] concerning
protein percentage in corn. It seems that by using zinc, the ability of the plant to set nitrogen and potassium
values increases so that these elements are properly absorbed through the root and mobilized to the aerial parts
of the plant.
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