Examination of the Interactive Effects of Seed Magnetic Priming and Zeolite Applica-tion on Yield and Physiological Characteristics of Super Sweet Corn Under Water Stress

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sweet corn faces challenges such as drought stress, which can signifi-cantly reduce yield. Zeolite and magnetic fields are emerging methods proposed to enhance plant growth and yield. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the combined effects of zeolite and magnetic fields on sweet corn to develop optimal strategies for addressing drought stress, with a fo-cus on yield and physiological characteristics. METHODS: A split-plot factorial experiment was conducted within a randomized com-plete block (RCBD), featuring three replications. The experimental factors included three levels of drought stress (60%, 80%, and 100% of crop water requirement), two levels of zeolite application (0 and 5 Ton.ha-1), and five magnetic field treatments (50 and 100 mil-liTesla for 15 and 30 minutes, plus an untreated control). RESULT: Results demonstrated that the maximum cob length and thousand-grain weight were achieved under 100% drought stress with zeolite application and a magnetic field in-tensity of 15-100 milliTesla. Fresh yield and canned product yield were optimized under 80% drought stress with a magnetic field intensity of 15-100 milliTesla. The highest leaf area index (LAI) and crop growth rate (CGR) were recorded in the treatment involving 80% drought stress, zeolite, and a magnetic field intensity of 15-50 milliTesla. Net assimila-tion rate (NAR) and the percentages of starch and protein were significantly influenced by the interactions among drought stress, zeolite, and magnetic fields. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the positive effects of zeolite and magnetic field treatments on both quantitative and qualitative traits of sweet corn under varying wa-ter stress conditions, suggesting their potential for optimizing sweet corn cultivation practices.