Effect of methanol application on some characteristics related to chickpea root growth (Cicer arietinum L.) under drought stress

In the region with drought stress, an efficient root system plays as major role in the success of production. In order to investigate the effect of foliar application of methanol on root characteristics of chickpea (Karaj variety) under drought stress conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications in September 2011 at the Reasearch Center of Plant Sciences of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Foliar application factor of methanol including 5 levels, 0 (control), 20 , 25 , 30 and 35 volumetric percentage which added to every levels of Glisin 2 gr/lit at three times during growth season of chickpea and with 10 days intervals. Spraying seedling was continued until running the solution drops on the leaves. The drought factor including drought stress ( 25 percent of field capacity) and without drought stress ( 100 percent of field capacity) was implemented. Results showed significant s difference between different levels of methanol regarding to root dry weight, tap root length and area, total roots length, ratio of root to leaf area and ratio of root area to leaf area (p