Effect of methanol and drought stress on yield and growth indices of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)

To evaluate the effects of foliar application of methanol and drought stress on growth and yield of sugar beet a, an experiment was conducted at research farm of Islamic azad university, Karaj branch (mahdasht) in 2008-2009 using completely randomized block design with factorial treatments in three replication. Six aqueous solutions of methanol 0(control), 7%, 14%, 21%, 28% and 35%(v/v) each containing 0.2% glycine, and two levels of irrigation, normal (irrigation after 40%deleption of available water) and drought stress (irrigation after 70%deleption of available water) were factors of the experiment. Methanol solutions were sprayed on foliar parts of sugar beet plants three time in two week intervals 80day after planting. Different characteristics related to growth and yield in different treatments were recorded six time during the growth period. The results showed that application of methanol increased total dry matter in different treatment up to 40 percent at 130 days aftar planting compared to the control. Leaf area index (LAI) was also increased significantly. Total dry matter (TDW) in normal irrigation condition showed an increase of 350gr/m2 130 days after planting. Maximum leaf area index (LAI) was recorded at 110 days after planting in normal condition. Application of 21% (v/v) methanol had significant effects in root yield, leaf yield and white sugar yield. Normal irrigation increased these characteristics significantly.