The effect of zeolite application and selenium foliar spraying under different moisture regimes on some physiological traits and grain yield in medicinal pumpkin

In order to evaluate the effect of zeolite application and selenium spraying on some physiological traits and grain yield in medicinal pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) under different moisture regimes, a study was conducted in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications during 2010 in Takestan at Gazvin province, Iran. The three levels of irrigation factors including normal irrigation based on 60mm evaporation from class A pan (control), withhold irrigation at the flowering and fruit formation stages, zeolite factors including two levels of non-application and use of 10 tons per hectare and selenium was sprayed at two concentration in zero and 30 grams per liter per hectare. The results showed that water deficit stress decreased stomatal conductivity, carotenoid content, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, grain yield and increased proline concentration and chlorophyll b content. Zeolite application of 10 tons per hectare under water deficit stress conditions had desirable effect on chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content and grain yield, also improved traits as stomatal conductivity and reduced proline concentration. The highest grain yield (1329 kg.ha-1) was obtained with zeolite and selenium application together at normal irrigation conditions. According to the results, it seems that application of zeoilite and selenium in areas that are subjected to water deficit stress can be useful in improving plant growth and production.