Amelioration in Growth and Physiological Efficiency of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Drought by Potassium Application. Issue 18 (11th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Raza, Muhammad Aown Sammar; Saleem, Muhammad Farrukh; Khan, Imran Haider; Hussain, Muhammad Baqir; Shah, Ghulam Mustafa
• Is Part Of: Communications in soil science and plant analysis. Volume 49:Issue 18(2018)
• Page Start: 2291
• Page End: 2300
• Publication Date: 2018-10-11
• Subjects: Drought tolerance -- foliar application -- potassium -- sunflower genotypes; Soil science -- Periodicals; Plants -- Chemical analysis -- Periodicals; Agricultural chemistry -- Periodicals; 631.405
• DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2018.1499764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-3624

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated the induced drought tolerance in sunflower through foliar application of potassium (K) at critical growth stages (head formation or achene filling). Five genotypes of sunflower (G-101, SF-187, Hysun-33, Hysun-38, and 64-A-93) were tested for drought tolerance at −0.55, −1.36, and −1.60 MPa osmotic potential using polyethylene glycol 6000. Hysun-33 showed the highest stress tolerance index as calculated from germination percentage, seedling height, root length, and dry matter. This genotype was further evaluated in the field under drought at head formation or achene filling stages, with or without 1% K foliar application. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Drought at head formation or achene filling stage significantly decreased biological yield, head diameter, plant height, 1000 achene weight, and achene yield as compared to unstressed control. Potassium application significantly improved all the aforementioned parameters and therefore could be a better strategy for ameliorating drought stress in sunflower.