Impact of perlite on water use efficiency and some growth components in wheat (cultivar of Zarrin)

The effect of perlite different amounts on grain yield and water use efficiency in winter wheat (cultivar of Zarrin) in Ghorveh (Kermanshah province), was studied in 2007-2008. Field experiment using completely randomized block design with seven treatments (P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 and P6) including: zero (reference), 75, 150, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 kg.ha-1 with four replicates was conducted. Irrigations were done based on water balance method. The amounts of grain and biological yield, thousand grain weight and grain protein were measured. The software MSTATC and Duncan's method were used for analysis of data and average treatments comparison, respectively. Results of statistical analysis showed, use of rates in all treatments were significantly increased crop. Results showed that by adding perlite to the soil, grain yield and biological yield of wheat increased up to 39.9 and 31.5 percent, respectively, which statistically was significant at one percent level. Also, there was significant difference between grain proteins of treatments at five percent level. Results also showed that in treatment with application of 2400 kg.ha-1 perlite, water use efficiency increased by up to 40.12 percent.