Effects of different fertilizers on the morphophysiological characteristics of chicory under drought stress

In order to investigate effects of different fertilizers on reduce negative effects of drought stress in chicory (Chicorium intybus L.), manure and poular fertilizers, Nano potassium and potassium sulfate were used on morphophysiological characteristics of chicory under drought stress. This experiment was carried out in a factorial plot based with a randomized complete block design in three replications at the Agricultural Research farm of Zabol University in 2014-2015. Water stress treatments included 60, 90 and 120 mm water evaporation from evaporate pan class assigned to the first plots and different types of fertilizers included manure and poular fertilizers were applied at 30 ton/ha, and nano potassium (27 percent) and potassium sulphat were applied 10 and 150 kg. Results showed that drought stresses were decreased the growth characteristics significantly, while application of different fertilizers were decreasing the negative effects of drought on growth characteristics, especially two organic fertilizers are effective on reduce the negative effects of drought. Also, the highest plant height, flower diameter, flower number, lateral branches, flower yield and shoot yield were obtained at manure fertilizer treatments. Strong stress was showed the lowest content of chlorophyll a and b significantly, but carotenoids and anthocyanin are increases. Application of manure fertilizer improve a / b chlorophylls, and carotenoids significantly under drought stress. So the highest anthocyanin obtained at Nano potassium treatment. Different fertilizer treatments have had significant effects on antioxidant enzymes activities in comparison with control treatment.