Physiology and yield of soybean treated with kinetin and calcium under drought and shade conditions

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of kinetin and calcium applications on the physiologic and productive traits of soybean plants, subjected to drought and shade conditions, at flowering. A randomized complete block design was used, in a split‑plot arrangement, with four replicates. Soybean plants cultivated in 38 dm³ pots were sprayed with calcium and kinetin, alone or mixed, and subjected to drought and shade during 12 days. After stress period, plants were cultivated under appropriate water and light availability. Calcium and kinetin application resulted in maintenance of the relative water content after four days of drought beginning. Membrane damage, measured at the end of stress period, was lower in plants sprayed with calcium and kinetin. CO₂ assimilation diminished by stress condition, mainly under drought, and grain yield decreased at the same intensity in both environments.