In order to investigate the effect of melatonin on the quantitative and qualitative traits of Iranian shallot under different irrigation regimes, a split plot experiment in completely randomized block design with three replications was conducted in 2022-2023 in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Ilam University. Different irrigation regimes as the main factor in three levels of irrigation cycle 5 days once, 10 days once and without irrigation, and melatonin foliar spraying as a secondary factor in four levels with concentrations of 0 (control), 50, 100 and 200 μM, were the studied factors in this research. The results showed that the reduction of irrigation caused a decrease in the quantitative and qualitative traits of the shallot plant. Foliar spraying of shallots, especially in concentrations of 100 and 200 μM melatonin, caused an increase in the dry weight and phosphorus content of the bulb compared to the control. The highest dry weight of the shoot (131 gr) was related to the 5-day irrigation cycle and foliar spraying of 100 μM melatonin treatment. The period without irrigation in shallot caused a decrease in the dry weight of aerial parts, fresh and dry weight of the bulb, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and nutritional elements of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium. Foliar spraying of shallot with melatonin increased the fresh and dry weight of the bulb, and the amount of phosphorus and calcium in the Iranian shallot plant. In addition, melatonin with a concentration of 200 μM in the 10 days irrigation cycle increased the total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity by 33.33, 18.46, and 16.92%, respectively, compared to no foliar spraying. Also, the highest amount of vitamin C and nitrogen content were obtained in the 10-day irrigation cycle and 100 μM melatonin.In general, foliar application of melatonin (especially in concentrations of 100 and 200 μM) improved the biochemical properties, nutritional and functional elements of Iranian shallot and caused better tolerance of drought conditions in this plant.
Ehtesham R, Ghanbari F. The Effect of Melatonin on Yield, Biochemical Characteristics and Nutritional Elements of Iranian Shallot Under Different Irrigation Regimes. IJHST 2025; 26 (1) :47-64 URL: http://journal-irshs.ir/article-1-698-en.html