Impact of exogenous salicylic acid application on some traits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris l.) under water stress conditions

Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenous plant growth regulator of phenolic nature that plays a key role in the regulation of plant growth, development, interaction with other organisms and in the responses to environmental stresses such as drought. An experiment was therefore, conducted to evaluation the influence of exogenous SA application on some traits of common bean under water stress conditions in Iran during 2011. Results showed that drought decreased plant height, leaf area index (LAI) and protein yield but increased seed protein content. Nevertheless, seeds soaking in SA (especially 0.5 mM) diminished drought damages and increased plant height, LAI and protein yield in both water stress and optimum conditions. SA application also decreased seed protein content. Results indicate that exogenous application of this phytohormone can act as an effective tool in improving the growth and production of common bean under water stress conditions.