Evaluation of salicylic acid foliar application and drought stress on the physiological traits of sesame (Sesamum indicum) cultivars

A split plot factorial experiment in RCBD with 3 replications was performed in 2012-2013. Three sesame cultivars namely Biarjomand native, Dashtestan 2, and Darab 1 in the main plot were subjected to drought stress at different growth stages, i.e., control (full irrigation), withdrawing irrigation at 69 BBCH (end of flowering stage) and withdrawing irrigation at 79 BBCH (fully grown fruits). Two levels of the foliar application of salicylic acid (0, 0.6 mM) were considered as sub plot. Results indicated that the highest level of carotenoid rate was 0.265 mg/g FW measured at 69 BBCH stage 69 cut of irrigation. The maximum of height, oil percentage, harvest index and grain yield under control treatment were 99.67 cm, 48.26%, 18.2%, and 1147.33 kg, respectively. The results showed that withdrawing irrigation at 69 BBCH caused a significant increase in carotenoid concentration and best results under control conditions were obtained in Darab 1.