Assessment of the Potential of Antitranspirants in Yield Enhancement of Brassica napus L. under Water Stress Conditions

Abstract

Background: This experiment uses various antitranspirants to increase leaf resistance to water vapor transfer. Irrigation scheduling is based on soil field capacity, which means irrigation was provided at 100%, 75%, and 50% field capacity. Research aims to conserve soil water and maintain water balance in plants by reducing transpiration. As water scarcity increases, assessing the anti-transpirant’s effectiveness could help develop better-rainfed farming crop technology. Methods: In this experiment 5 sub-plot treatments (antitranspirants) and 3 main plot treatments (different irrigation levels) were there. The antitranspirants are applied by foliar spray and the interval of spraying of antitranspirants was 30 days. The first spray was done at 21 days after sowing. The growth and yield parameters were taken manually and analyzed using STATISTIX-10 and OPSTAT. Results: Moisture aids plant growth and development, but high moisture causes more vegetative growth and less economic yield. Based on the analysis of the data it was observed that a moderate level of irrigation that is irrigation at 75% FC, produced the highest yield. Antitranspirants like Kaolin 6% showed improved physiology and WUE, highest production, crop growth, and development. Kaolin 6% was observed to be reducing proline content which indicates stress level, as a result increasing chlorophyll content, reducing stomatal densities, and improving nutrient uptake. Thus Kaolin 6% with irrigation at 75% FC was the most effective for yield, development and stress resistance. Cycocel 1000ppm being a growth retardant showed potential in yield increase and stress tolerance.