Zeolite and Chitosan: A sustainable duo to improve sesame drought resistance.

ABSTRACT: Climate change and increasing competition for water in arid and semi-arid regions intensify moisture stress in sesame production. Deficit irrigation (DI) is therefore essential to optimize yield with limited water. This study investigated the potential of two eco-friendly amendments zeolite and chitosan to mitigate drought effects in sesame. A split-factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at two locations (Tehran and Yazd). Irrigation treatments included optimal irrigation (I1; 50% available soil water depletion), moderate drought (I2; 65%), and severe drought (I3; 80%). Subplots received zeolite (0 and 4.5 t ha⁻1) and foliar applications of chitosan (0.4% and 0.5%) or controls. Under I1, the combined application of zeolite and 0.5%

SUBMITTER: Abedi AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12912556 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature