Effect of irrigation and antitranspirant on biometric components, seed yield and plant water-use of spring sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 1999 and 2000 to study the effect of 5 irriga- tion levels and 4 antitranspirant treatments on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at Hisar, Haryana. Scheduling of 4 irrigations (I,), one each at seedling, button, flowering and seed-developing stage recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, and seed yield (pooled 19.71 qlha) of sunflower. Cumulative water use, water- use efficiency, leaf water potential and transpiration rate as plant water-use parameters and average net return (Rs 8,031lha) were also maximum with I, treatment. Effect of antitranspirants, as an irrigation saving technique in semi-arid situation, however, was not satisfactory. Interaction between irrigation levels and antitranspirants on any of the parameters was observed non-significant.