The Effect of Potassium Content of Some Micronutrients in Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris L.) under Drought Stress

Abstract

Drought stress is the stress to which there is the most exposure in agricultural areas. Application of potassium to plants, which can maintain turgor pressure even under low leaf water potential, can increase their ability to tolerate drought stress. In this study, the effect of potassium on some micronutrients content within under drought of sugar beet, which is a strategic plant, was investigated. In the experiment, irrigation levels were kept at 33%, 66% and 100% of field capacity. Different doses (10-20-40-80 mg kg^-1) of potassium were applied to the plants and were grown in the growth chamber. Iron, copper, zinc, manganese, boron and molybdenum content were determined in plant samples after harvest. While shoot iron, copper, manganese, boron and molybdenum contents decreased under drought stress, zinc content increased. Root boron and molybdenum content decreased under drought, while iron, copper, zinc and manganese content increased. With potassium applications, the copper, zinc, manganese content of the shoot increased, while the content of iron, boron and molybdenum decreased. Root copper and molybdenum content decreased with potassium applications, iron and zinc content increased, manganese and boron content changed irregularly. According to the results, it is thought that the application of high potassium doses under drought conditions may cause the plant to be less affected by stress by causing better root and shoot development.