Response of chickpea (cicer arietinum l. )‎ to compost and indole-3-butyric acid under rainfed conditions

Abstract EN

Drought stress is one of the most important a biotic stresses in agriculture worldwide, especially under rainfed conditions.

Its impacts include reduction in growth, yield quantity and quality.

The present experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station of Mersa- Matruh, Mersa- Matruh Governorate, Egypt during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 cropping seasons, to evaluate the effect of compost and spraying of indole-3-butyric acid growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.

) under rainfed conditions.

Application of 4 ton compost fed^-1 gave the highest significant values of plant height, branches and seed number plant^-1 as well ascapsules number and weightplant^-1.

Also, seed weight plant^-1and 100 seed weight as well as seed, straw and biological yield fed^{- 1}.

In addition, NPK percentage in chickpea seed and straw as well as percentage of crude protein, total sugars and carbohydrates in both seasons.

Spraying indole-3-butyric acid by the rate of 80 ppm gave the highest significant values of all parameters under study.

Foliar application of indole-3-butyric acid by the rate of 80 ppm under 4 ton compost gave the highest significant values of all parameters in both seasons.

Compost provides nutrients to the soil and improves water holding capacity.

Spraying indole-3-butyric acid significantly reduces transpiration rate.

Therefore, use of growth regulating substances and compost practices led to accomplish both acceptable chickpea yield quantity and quality.