Effects of Foliar Micronutrient Application on Osmotic Adjustments, Grain Yield and Yield Components in Sunflower (Alster cultivar) under Water Stress at Three Stages

In order to study the effects of foliar micronutrient application under water stress at three stages of growth on proline and carbohydrate concentrations, grain yield and yield components of sunflower (Alster cultivar), a field experiment in split plot design with three replications was conducted in 2007. Alster cultivar was considered under water stress at three stages of growth (heading, flowering and grain filling) as main plot and seven micronutrient treatments, Fe, Zn, Mn, Fe+Zn, Fe+Mn, Zn+Mn and Fe+Zn+Mn, as sub plots. Results showed, water stress at three stages of growth significantly decreased grain yield, biological yield, 1000 weight seeds, cap diameter and cap weight of sunflower (Alster cultivar). The impact of water stress was more pronounced when applied at grain filling. Use of foliar micronutrient increased grain yield in water stress. On the other hand, use of Mn foliar application had the highest positive effect on yield components and grain yield. Free proline and total soluble carbohydrate concentration were increased under water stress at all of the three stages of growth. The highest concentration of these two components was found on the flowering stage. Foliar micronutrient also increased accumulation of the two components.