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3.4 Role of SA in Improving Plant (Crop) Performance
and Yields Under Drought Conditions
SA-induced activation of the mechanisms responsible for reducing the damage
caused by water deficit and maintenance of normal metabolism plays an essential
role in countering the damaging effects of stress on growth and yield (Fig.
3
). In
muskmelon, the moderating influence of SA on cell membrane permeability under
water deficit conditions resulted in the reduction of adverse effect of water stress
on leaf chlorophyll level, stomatal conductivity and photosynthetic productivity
(Korkmaz et al.
2007
). The ability of SA to negate adverse effects of water deficit
on cell metabolism had a significant implication in improving growth of wheat
under drought conditions. High chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate cou-
pled with higher activity of Rubisco were responsible for SA-induced improve-
ment of dry matter accumulation and yield under drought (Singh and Usha
2003
).
Azooz and Youssel (
2010
) revealed that SA-induced resistance to drought in
'Hassawi' wheat resulted from its stimulatory effect on the synthesis of soluble
carbohydrates and proteins, which are involved in osmotic adjustment, which
causes the reduction of adverse effect of water deficit on plants. As a result, there
was observed a marked improvement of water status, enhancement of the bio-
synthesis of photosynthetically active pigments as well as photosynthetic rate and
finally stimulation of growth. In other studies conducted on wheat the protective
and growth promoting effects of SA treatment were due to its influence on pre-
venting the decrease in IAA and cytokinin content induced by water deficit
(Sakhabutdinova et al.
2003
). SA treatment elicited drought resistance in wheat
through a mechanism of osmotic adjustment and reduction of membrane injury,
Fig. 3
Schematic model presents the role of SA in the enhancement of plant resistance to water
deficit
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