Effects of methanol on fresh and dry yield of Tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Recent research indicated that vegetative growth and yield of C3 crops are enhanced by foliar methanol application and methanol acts as a C source for the plants. In order to study the effects of foliar methanol application on yield of tobacco (Coker 347) a farm experiment was conducted in factorial with two factors and the basis of completely randomized block design (RCBD) with 18 factorial treatments and 4 replications in Guilan tobacco research station. The A factor was 6 level of methanol (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50% (v/v)) and B factor was 3 time of foliar application (morning, noon, afternoon). Fresh and dry leaf weight in different section of plant was measured. Factor analysis of variance for two factors was done inbasis of RCBD. In This expriement plots treated with methanol and too time of foliar application showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in fresh and dry leaf weight when compared to plants in untreated plots. Mean comparison showed that the fresh and dry yield in 3o% methanol concentration and afternoon time treatments were significantly higher than the others. These results support the hypothesis that methanol may actively alter physiological processes for example photosynthesis.