Effect of irrigation regimes and application of humic acid on some morphological and physiological characteristics of Savory (Satureja hortensis L.)

Abstract

Abstract This experiment was conducted in 2014 at research greenhouse, in a completely randomized design based on factorial arrangement with three replications. Treatments included irrigation regimes at 50, 75 and 100 % FC and humic acid spraying at three levels 0, 150 and 300 mg. lit-1. The greatest and the least plant height, fresh and dry weight, number and length of leaves, chlorophyll a and carbohydrates was achieved at 100 and 50% FC, respectively. Plant cultivated at 300 mg. lit-1humic acid had the greatest growth components. Interaction of irrigation at 100% of field capacity and 300 mg l-1 of humic acid had the greatest plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf length and carbohydrates. While the greatest proline was obtained at irrigation at 50% FC and no humic acid spraying. Interaction effects was not significant for number of leaves, chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoids. Growth parameters decreased with increasing drought severity. The results suggested savory planted at 300 mg. lit-1of humic acid and no drought stress had the greatest productivity.

Keywords

• Drought stress
• Medicinal plants
• Organic acid
• Prolin