A trail was conducted in wiry greenhouse of Crop Physiology
Department at Giza Experimental Research Station, ARC, during the two
summer seasons of 2014 and 2015 study the alleviation of water deficit
stress effects on sesame plant (cv. Shandaweel. 3) by foliar application of
ascorbic acid (A.A.) i.e. control, 200 and 400 ppm. Different levels of
water were applied i.e. 2600 m3/fad (wet), 2300 m3/fad (moist), 2000
m
3/fad (medium) and 1700 m3/fad (dry). Results could be summarized as
follows:
- The highest values of plant height, fruiting zone length, leaf area/plant,
capsules number and weight/plant, 1000 seed weight were scored from
irrigation by 2600 m3/fad followed by 2300 m3/fad with insignificant
difference between such two treatments. Whereas, the highest values of
shoot dry weight/plant as well as straw and seed yields were obtained
when plants irrigated by 2300 m3/fad followed by 2600 m3/fad. While, the
lowest values of all growth traits, yield and yield components were
obtained when plants irrigated by 1700 m3/fad. Protein content of seed
increased and oil content decreased when plants irrigated by 1700 m3/fad
(dry). Relative water content (RWC%) decreased gradually with
decreasing water applied up to irrigation by 1700 m3/fad. Water
consumptive use (WCU) increased with increasing water applied from
1700 to 2600 m3/fad. The heights value of water use efficiency (WUE)
was recorded when plants irrigated by 2300 m3/fad.
- The foliar application of 400 ppm ascorbic acid significantly increased
plant height, fruiting zone length, leaf area/plant, shoot dry weight,
capsules number and weight/plant, 1000-seed weight as well as straw and
seed yields, protein and oil contents of seeds, RWC, WCU and WUE
compared to control and 200 ppm ascorbic acid.
-The interaction effect recorded the maximum values of leaf area / plant,
capsules number and weight / plant, oil content of seeds, RWC and WUE
when plants irrigated by 2600 m3/fad and sprayed with 400 ppm ascorbic
acid. Whereas, the highest values of shoot dry weight/plant, straw and
seed yields as well as WUE were recorded when plants irrigated by 2300
m
3/fad. and sprayed with 400 ppm ascorbic acid. The maximum value of
seeds protein content was obtained when plants irrigated by 1700 m3/fad
and sprayed by 400 ppm ascorbic acid.