Morphological traits and yield of Ajowan affected by different irrigation intervals and growth regulators

Abstract

Two field experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid and abscisic acid applications on some morphological traits and yield of ajowan (Carum copticum L.) under different watering conditions. Irrigation intervals (irrigation after 70, 100, 130 and 160 mm evaporation from class A pan) were located in main plots and exogenous applications of water (control), salicylic acid (0 and 1 mM) and abscisic acid (0 and 50 micro-molar) were allocated to sub plots. Water stress negatively affected the morphological traits of the Ajowan. Stem diameter, branches per plant, leaves number per plant, biological yield and grain yield per plant of Ajowan were considerably improved by application of salicylic acid and abscisic acid. Salicylic acid treatment was more effective than abscisic acid treatment, in this study, salicylic acid treatment increased the stem diameter and leaves number per plant more than abscisic acid and caused a yield enhancement in Ajowan plants. In general, foliar spray of salicylic acid and abscisic acid could alter morphological traits and yield of Ajowan.