Document Type : Research paper
Authors
1
Soil and Water Research Department, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, Iran
2
Horticulture Crops Research Department, Qom Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Growth stimulants (GS) utilization offers a potential strategy to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought stress. This study hypothesized that GS could enhance both the quantitative and qualitative traits of pomegranate fruit and improve nutrient absorption under varying irrigation regimes. A split-plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design over two growing seasons (2020–2022). Two main irrigation treatments, providing 100% ETC and 70% ETC for pomegranate, were established as main plots, while seven GS treatments, were assigned to sub-plots including a control, foliar application of amino acid (Aa), fulvic acid (Fa), and seaweed extract (Se); soil application of humic acid (Ha) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF); and combined consumption of GS (Cc). Providing 70% ETC reduced fruit yield, fruit number, total acidity (TA), and nutrient absorption, while increasing total soluble solids (TSS). Under 100% ETC, the AMF, Se, and Cc treatments increased fruit yield by 17.9%, 15.1%, and 28.5%, respectively, compared to the control, whereas under 70% ETC, the corresponding increases were 26.6%, 29.7%, and 40.8%. At 70% ETC, the Cc treatment reduced TA by 9.8%, whereas at 100% ETC, Aa, Fa, and Cc reduced TA significantly by 10.9%, 13.0%, and 13.0%, respectively. Applying Cc treatment at 70% ETC maximized quality while causing minimal yield loss. Overall, most GS treatments effectively improved leaf nutrient concentrations under both irrigation regimes. The enhanced efficiency of GS in improving fruit yield and nutrient absorption under drought conditions highlights its potential as a sustainable solution for pomegranate production in arid regions.
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