Integrated effect of planting dates and irrigation regimes on morpho-physiological response, forage yield and quality, and water use efficiency of clitoria (Clitoria ternatea L.) in arid region

ABSTRACT

A 2-year field experiment (2015/2016) was conducted on clitoria planted on May 20 as early (P_E) and June 20 as late (P_L) under 100% = I_100%, 80% = I_80% and 60% = I_60% of allowable soil moisture depletion (ASMD). The objective was to investigate the complementary effect of planting date and deficit irrigation on morpho-physiological responses, forage quantity and quality, and water use efficiency (WUE) of clitoria. Early planting date (P_E) significantly improved almost all attributes. Clitoria plants exposed to (I_{100% or 80%}) had higher almost parameters except for leaf/stem ratio (LSR), protein, and WUE in both seasons. Higher cumulative dry forage yield CDFY (6.5 and 6.4 t ha⁻¹) and cumulative protein yield CPY (1.4 and 1.2 t ha⁻¹) resulted from I_80% and I_100% whereas, highest WUE (1.8 and 1.6 kg m⁻³) from I_60% in both the seasons, respectively. Clitoria planted early and irrigated with I_{100% or 80%} had higher morpho-physiological responses and yields in both cuts of both seasons. Therefore, the adverse effects of drought can be diminished by planting early (P_E) and watering with (I_{100% or 80%}), particularly under limited water and could be suggested as a non-monetary practice for upgrade the drought tolerance in clitoria and maximizing yield and quality in arid environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Deficit irrigation
• dry environments
• forage clitoria
• nutritive value
• sowing time

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.