Effects of salicylic and ascorbic acid applications on growth, yield, water use efficiency and some physiological traits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under reduced irrigation

Drought is one of the main constraints restricting the growth and yield of crop plants. It is suggested that antioxidants, like salicylic acid (SA) and ascorbic acid (AA), may enhance drought tolerance in plants. Results showed that seed yield, plant biomass, plant height and water use efficiency were decreased whereas protein content and soluble carbohydrates were increased as the result of complete drought stress. The maximum plant height and the highest protein content of the chickpea belonged to ILC482 and Kurdistan cultivars respectively. The plant biomass was increased by application of salicylic and ascorbic acids as compared with control plants significantly. The results showed that ascorbic acid application increased rate of biological water use efficiency significantly as compared with control plants. Application of salicylic acid led to significant increase in protein content of leaves in complete drought stress condition. Application of ascorbic acid at non-stress (control) condition resulted in the highest rate of economical water use efficiency.