The effect of zeolite on yield and yield components of rapeseed under drought conditions

This study is performed to analyze the effect of zeolite application on yield and yield components of rapeseed under drought conditions as a factorial-split on the base of randomized complete block design with four replications in 2011-12 in research field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj. The effects of zeolite levels Z0 (0) and Z10 (10 ton/ha) under three drought stress levels, control (irrigation after 40%), moderate stress, (irrigation after 60%) and severe stress (irrigation after 80% soil water depletion) were in main plots and four genotypes of Brassica napus (KR4, Eldo lines and GKH 305, Anatol cultivars) were in subplots. Based on the results, negative impact of drought on yield components, lead to a significant fall in grain and oil yield. The most negative impact of drought stress was seen in the grain number per silique. The use of zeolites with a positive impact on the number of silique per stem, seed number per silique and seed weight showed an increase of 27, 64 and 94% average seed yield, in control, moderate and severe stress conditions, respectively. Between genotypes, GKH305 in none stress condition and Anatol in both mild and severe stress conditionshad the highest yield. According to the result, zeolite can be used in growth period or part time of drought stress.