The effect of Origanum vulgare and Zatria mutifora essence on yield, yield components and antioxidant enzymes of Sesamum indicum L under drought stress

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of spraying of Origanum vulgare and Zatria mutifora essence on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sesame (Naz cultivar) under drought stress conditions. This experiment was conducted as split plot factorial in two years as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included two different irrigation regimes (every 15 days) and drought stress (every 25 days), three levels of Origanum vulgare include 0, 40 and 60% and 3 levels of Zatria mutifora include 0, 10 and 20%. Results indicated that drought stress significantly reduced the measured indices compared to control conditions. The results also showed that water stress reduced oil content and increased protein content and activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. It was found that the most measured indices in both control and stress conditions were associated with 60% Origanum vulgare 20% Zatria mutifora essence. The use of Origanum vulgare and Zatria mutifora essence, under suitable irrigation conditions, increased the seed yield of 27.5% compared to control, whereas it increased 58% under stress conditions. Therefore, it can be stated that under dry conditions, the use of Origanum vulgare Zatria mutifora essence can induce tolerance in the plant in response to drought conditions. Since less cost is needed compared to other methods, therefore, in areas with low water conditions, it is recommended to use the Origanum vulgare and Zatria mutifora essence.