The Effects of Salicylic Acid On Growth, Productivity and Water Status of Vegetable Plants Under Drought Conditions: A Review

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring plant hormone as it affects several physiological and biochemical functions in plants. However, exogenous SA has a positive influence on tolerance to various environmental stresses including drought. Drought seriously affects growth and productivity of the majority of vegetable plants. Moreover, SA is regarded as a relatively safe and an effective tool to
improve growth, yield and water status of vegetable plants under drought stress. There is evidence from the previous investigations that SA improves growth, productivity and water status of vegetable plants subjected to drought stress. Such a treatment could be of a great value when dealing with cultivation of vegetable plants in arid zones as shortage of water becomes a limiting factor for production. This review will focus on the effects of SA on growth, productivity and water status of different vegetable plants grown under shortage of water or under drought conditions. The possible roles of SA in such effects will also be discussed.