Effect of Drought Stress and Zn Fertilizer on Some Root Characteristics of Chickpea Cultivars

Objective: Drought stress is most important factor which reduce root and shoot growth in crops. This study was performed in order to evaluate the effects of drought stress and Zn fertilizer on root traits of four cultivars of chickpea. Methods: Experiment was laid out in a split plot-factorial using randomized complete block design with three replications. Drought stress treatment stand in main plots in three levels consist of no drought stress (complete irrigation), moderate drought stress (irrigation at planting and early flowering) and severe drought stress (no irrigation). 2 Zn levels (using hand sprayer 1 L and control) and four chickpea cultivars Azad, Bivanij, Hashem and ILC482 stand in sub plots. Results: Result showed that the effect of drought stress was significant on al parameters. Effect of Zn fertilizer was significant only on Number of nodule and primary root length, but not significant on other parameters. Effect of cultivar treatments was significant only on Number of nodule and primary root length, but not significant on other parameters. Maximum number of nodule and root length was obtained in non stress condition and in Bivanij cultivar. With increase in drought stress number of nodules in plants and root length were decreased.