Effect of mycorrhiza and foliar nano (Fe and Zn) oxide spraying on yield, oil percentage and some biochemical traits of safflower under water limitation condition

In order to study the effect of mycorrhiza and foliar nano (Fe and Zn) oxide spraying on yield and some biochemical traits of spring safflower (cultivar. Padedeh) under water limitation condition, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications The experimental factors were included: arboscular mycorrhiza application in two levels (with and without mycorrhiza), foliar application of nano zinc oxide in four levels: (non-foliar application and foliar application of nano iron oxide, nano zinc oxide and nano zinc oxide nano iron oxide) and irrigation in three levels [full irrigation as control, irrigation withholding at 50% of flowering and heading-bud stages (moderate and severe water limitation respectively)]. Results showed that water limitation were increased proline content, the activity of catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase enzymes. Mycorrhiza application and foliar nano (Fe and Zn) oxide spraying improved these traits under water limitation condition and normal irrigation. Means comparison showed that maximum of grain yield (2278.52 kg ha-1) was obtained at application of mycorrhiza, nano oxide of Zn and full irrigation. Minimum of it (834.25 kg ha-1) was obtained in non-mycorrhiza, no application of nano oxide and irrigation to heading-bud stage. Application of mycorrhiza and nano oxide of Zn increased grain yield by 35.9% as compared with non- mycorrhiza, non-foliar application of nano oxide under severe water limitation. It seems that mycorrhiza and nano oxide of Zn application is usable for profitable safflower production under water limitation condition.