Evaluation of some growth and physiological responses of Chia(Salvia hispanica L.) to various moisture regimes

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), has achieved economic importance due to the products which are obtained from its leaves with antioxidant capacity and especially its seeds, because they contain omega 3. However, there is a lack of information on optimal agronomic management practices and especially the influence of water availability on its establishment and production. To evaluate the effect of various moisture regimes on some growth and physiological parameters of the medicinal plant of chia, a greenhouse experiment conducted at the university of Agriculture and natural Resources of Tehran, based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications.The treatments incorporate moist regimes that have been applied at 66, 57 and 43 and 35% Levels of soil Field capacity. Results demonstrated that diverce moisture regimes had a meaningful influence on most pre-examined parameters. Relative water content (RWC), the total biomass of plant, plant height, accessory branch, node number and the ultimate Leaf area decreased with increasing drought stress such that the lowest value of stated parameters is obtained in the 43% soil Field capacity. Also the highest value of ELI and root weighthad been obtained through 43% soil Field capacity. The lowest value of Fo and Fv/Fm was observed and affiliated with 66% and 43% soil Field capacity, respectively. Generally, concerning the decreasing trend of growth and physiological parameters of chia in response to drought stress and intolerance in severe water stress, it seems, in the growing stage, it needs to sufficient moisture to maintain the membrane function and Photosynthetic processes.