Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of different bacterial strains on some morphologic properties of dill, under water stress conditions in a field study, a split plot experiment based on complete randomized block design with three replicates was used, in 2013 and 2014. Water stress as the main factor in three levels of irrigation with 40, 80 and 120 mm evaporation from pan, and bacterial strains in nine levels as sub-factors were used. The results indicate that all bacterial strains worked significantly for the improvement of performance in dill, under stress, moderate stress and water deficit. Based on composite ANOVA, the effect of stress was significant on number of umbels, stem diameter, root dry weight, stem dry weight and leaf dry weight at 1%, so was the effect of stress and strain on the number of umbels, root dry weight, and stem diameter. The strains significantly changed the number of umbels, stem diameter and root dry weight. The three factors had significant effects on the essential oil percentage. Finally, bacterial inoculation seed alone could improve the quality and quantity of dill. Therefore, it is advisable to use biological inputs instead of chemical fertilizers as a means towards sustainable agriculture.