Effects of drought stress and foliar application of zinc and iron on some biochemical parameters of cumin

To determine the effects of drought stress and foliar application of zinc and iron on some biochemical parameters of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), a greenhouse experiment was carried out at Graduate University of Advanced Technology of Kerman, Iran during 2011-2012. The experiment was conducted in factoriel design based on randomized completely block with three replications. Three levels of water deficit 70 (well- watered), 50 and 30 (moderate and severe stress) percent of field capacity with treatments of Zn, Fe, Zn (5/1000) and non-foliar application (water) were used. Results show positive effects of iron and zinc foliar application under drouth stress on some biochemical parameters of cumin. Maximum quantities of total protein and proline (4.12 and 364.52 mg/gr Fw) and maximum quantities of soluble sugar (5.62 mg/gr Dw) were observed in severe stress with Zn treatment. Also zinc and iron foliar application decresed malondealdohide (9.16 and 5.06 µM/gr Fw) in moderate and severe stress conditions in cumin leaf, respectively. Drought stress and foliar application increased enzymes activities. Maximum quantities of enzymes activities (catalase: 28.51, gayacol peroxidase: 284.75 and superoxid dismutase: 50.99 U/mg protein) in leaves were observed in severe stress with Zn treatment too. According to our results, iron and zinc foliar application improves biochemical parameters in cumin under drouth stress.