Effect of vermicompost tea application on morpho-physiological characteristics, yield and quality of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) under water stress condition

In order to investigate the effect of vermicompost tea application on of the reduction of stress effect and improving sugar beet performance, a field experiment was conducted in split plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications at two regions including Shahrekord University and Shalamzar in 2015. Main plots consisted of three irrigation levels including 100%, 75% and 50% irrigation based on plant’s water requirement and sub-plots were allocated to three soluble including 27 and 54 lit ha-1 vermicompost tea application and sprayed with water (control). Result showed that foliar application of vermicompost tea increased membrane stability index, SPAD value, leaf area index, leaf number, root diameter, shoot and root dry weight, white sugar content, root yield and sugar yield. Water stress decreased all the above mentioned traits except white sugar content. Interaction between irrigation treatment and vermicompost tea application showed that the highest membrane stability index, SPAD value, root diameter, and root yield was achieved with 54 lit ha-1 vermicompost tea application × 100% irrigation based on plant’s water requirement. High correlation was observed between membrane stability index, SPAD value, leaf area index, leaf number, and root diameter with root dry weight.