Water shortage is a major problem that limits growth and productivity of plants in arid and semi-arid regions. Protecting plants from adverse environmental conditions by using simple methods could be of great value under these conditions. In the present study, we examined water status and drought tolerance of snap bean, a drought-sensitive plant, and Jerusalem artichoke, a relatively drought tolerant plant in response to the application of salicylic acid (SA). Different levels of SA were applied and several physiological, growth, productivity and quality parameters were recorded together with the relative water content. Foliar application of SA improved growth, productivity, quality as well as some physiological parameters of snap bean and Jerusalem artichoke plants exposed to drought stress. Total chlorophyll content and relative water content were higher in plants treated with SA compared to control plants when subjected to drought stress. The specific responses of snap bean and Jerusalem artichoke to SA under drought stress as well as the possible explanations of the effects of SA are discussed.
Salt stress is known as one of the most severe abiotic factors limiting the plant production all over the world. In this study, three additives: (i) supplemental Ca (5 mmol L–1) to nutrient solution, (ii) foliar application of micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn at 60, 160 and 110 mg L–1, respectively), and (iii) combination of both of them were evaluated aiming to reduce the negative impact of salt stress on tomato plants cultivated in a soilless culture and improve the internal quality of fruits. The obtained results show that salinity reduced vegetative growth and physiological parameters, fruit yield and its components, and even more lowered fruit market classification of tomatoes. Salinity treatment reduced most of essential macro- and micronutrients in tomato fruit, whilst Na content was increased. Tomato productivity and fruit quality were ameliorated under saline conditions by increasing Ca into nutrient solution and applying a foliar application of micronutrients. A combination of both additives ranked the first to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity on tomatoes, followed by solo supplemental Ca into saline nutrient solution. On the other hand, the internal fruit quality of antioxidant compounds, such as vitamin C, lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene and lutein as well as acidity, total soluble solid and dry matter percent, were increased under saline conditions.