Impact of ascorbic acid on seed yield and its components of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) under drought stress

The present study aimed at evaluating the impact of drought stress combined with foliar application of ascorbic acid on grain yield and its components in sweet corn. The experiment was conducted as split plot design based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Agricultural Research Station of Ardabil in the 2016 growing season. The main plots were four levels of drought stress as irrigation after 70 (as control), 100, 130 and 160 mm evaporation from the class A pan, and the sub-plots were four levels of ascorbic acid (0 as control, 150, 200 and 250 ppm). The results revealed that drought stress significantly decreased the ear length, number of kernels per ear, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, dry weight of husks, 300-kernel weight and grain yield. Although foliar application of ascorbic acid at some concentrations had positive effect on all traits of sweet corn, except dry weight of husks and ear length, but more results are needed to recommend its usefulness under drought stress conditions of this experiment.