The effect of zinc application on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) under drought stress

Abstract

The aim of the vegetation pot experiment observed the effect of zinc foliar application in combination with nitrogen fertilization on annual ryegrass plant ability to deal with drought stress. Experiment with two irrigation regimes was established and the rate of drought stress was evaluated by determination of abscisic acid (ABA) content in above-ground part of ryegrass, dry matter weight and nutrient content in plant were also determined. Foliar Zn application had statistically significant effect (P <0.05) on decrease of ABA content in comparison to variants without Zn fertilization which implies that zinc contributed to better plant dealing with drought stress. Foliar application of higher Zn dose (1.25 g l-1) under drought stress was found the strongest decreased of ABA in comparison with variant without Zn fertilization (about 50.1%). Zinc supported also the growth of above-ground part regardless to irrigation, we found the highest dry matter weight on variant with higher nitrogen dose (0.5 g pot-1) and higher Zn dose (1.25 g l-1). Graded levels of zinc application significantly effected of Zn content in plant.

Keywords

• annual ryegrass
• foliar zinc application
• drought stress
• abscisic acid content