Effect of priming and foliar application of different amino acids on yield and yield components of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) in late sowing

IntroductionLentil is used mainly for human consumption as a source of protein and carbohydrate in soups, stews and vegetarian dishes. It is grown to improve economic returns to producers, diversify and lengthen crop rotations, and reduce nitrogen fertilizer requirement. Lentil, a member of the legume family, Leguminosae, can supply a significant portion of its nitrogen requirement by fixing nitrogen from the air when it is inoculated with the appropriate rhizobial inoculant. The pattern of nutrients in the proximal composition of lentil is similar to that of other grain legumes, but with seed protein content of 19.5–35.5%. Fiber concentration is low and is largely within the seed testa, so the fiber in lentil meal can be reduced if it is de-hulled before grinding. In addition to high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and major minerals, its seed contains iron up to 505 mg per kg and zinc up to 330 mg per kg on a whole seed basis. Amino acids help in tissue protein formation. Some amino acids are not synthesized in the body and it is necessary to take them in diet. Lentils contain different amino acids that can be used by most people. This research was carried out to study the effect of different Amino Acids on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, proline content and seed yield of Lentil in delayed planting. Materials and MethodsIn order to study the effect of different amino acids on yield and biochemical traits of lentil, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of agricultural faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, through May to July 2018. The factors studied included mode of application (priming, spraying and priming+spraying) and type of amino acids (Arginine, Aspartic acid, Proline, trade amino acid and distilled water (control)). The amount of amino acids used was 1 g per liter. In this study, leaf, stem, pod and total fresh weight, leaf area, leaf to stem, chlorophyll content (a, b and total), the number of pods per square meter, 1000 grain weight, harvest index and seed yield were determined. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SAS software version 9.4. To compare the means, the least significant difference (LSD) test was used at a 5% probability level. Also Excel software was used to obtain different equations and draw curves and chartsharts. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the highest total chlorophyll (16.18 mg gF.W-1), chlorophyll a (13.92 mg gF.W1) and chlorophyll b (2.53 mg gF.W-1) was obtained from the priming with aspartic acid. The number of pods per plant (13.11) was more than the others in priming and spraying with aspartic acid. Amino acid application produced more leaf than control (distilled water). The arginine, aspartic acid, proline and commercial amino acids produced 46, 55, 20 and 52% more leaf fresh weight, respectively. The application of aspartic acid with 88.87 g m-2 produced the highest yield (more than three-fold relative to the control), followed by the application of arginine (55.51 g m-2), commercial amine (44.4 g m-2) and proline (32.78 g m2). The application of aspartic acid via both priming and spraying is suggested as the best treatment. ConclusionPlants create amino acids from primary elements they absorb from the environment. Carbon and oxygen are obtained from the air. Hydrogen and nitrogen are obtained from the soil. Inside the plant, amino acids are formed through metabolic pathways. Plants, like all other forms of life, require amino acids to create cells. These cells are then used to build various vital parts of a plant like roots and leaves. Amino acids are quite literally the foundation of life, especially when it comes to plants. If plants can utilize supplementary amino acids without creating them out of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and sometimes sulfur, they would have much more available energy to use where it is necessary. When amino acids are properly applied, the impacts are profound. According to the results of this study, amino acids can reduce the stress of delayed planting. In the absence of amino acid, yield reduction will be higher. The application of aspartic acid via both priming and spraying is suggested as the best treatment.