MITIGATING THE TERMINAL DROUGHT STRESS IN CHICKPEA (CICER ARIENTINUM L.) THROUGH EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF NUTRIENTS

Abstract

A study was conducted at PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Khushab Campus, Pakistan during the year 2012-13. Terminal drought stress and low soil fertility are major constraints to harvest potential yield of rain-fed chickpea. Effect of exogenous application of K2SO4 (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) in combination with CAN (1, 2 and 3%) was investigated against terminal drought stress. Foliar spray of various combinations of CAN and K2SO4 were applied at 40 and 60 days after sowing of chickpea facing subsequent terminal drought stress using RCBD with three replications. Maximum pods per plant, 1000- grain weight, grain yield and biological yield were attained from 1.5% K2SO4 in combination with 2% or 3% CAN. Maximum number of grains per pod was harvested from 3% CAN in combination with 1.0 or 1.5% K2SO4. Significant delay in flowering was recorded from 3% CAN with 1.0 or 1.5% K2SO4. Exogenous application of 1.5% K2SO4 in combination with 2 or 3% CAN proved helpful in mitigating the terminal drought stress in chickpea.