Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor, Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Kermanshah, Iran.
2
Associate Professor, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Faculty of Science and Agricultural Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
3
Instructor, Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Kermanshah, Iran.
10.30466/rip.2021.53696.1190
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid on the growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of some commercial olive cultivars under deficit irrigation stress at the Dalahoo Olive Research Station, Kermanshah Province. The experiment was carried out during the 2018–2019 growth season as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three factors (salicylic acid concentrations, irrigation regimes, and olive cultivars) and three replications. Two foliar spray applications of salicylic acid at concentrations of 0 (control, water spray), 1.5, and 3 mM were performed: one before flowering and another before the onset of rapid fruit growth. Irrigation treatments included 100%, 75%, and 50% of the olive trees’ water requirements. Experimental plant materials consisted of 17-year-old trees of three olive cultivars: ‘Conservolia’, ‘Zard’, and ‘Amphissis’. The results showed that the olive cultivars responded differently to deficit irrigation stress. Among them, ‘Conservolia’ exhibited better growth, physiological, and biochemical performance under water stress combined with salicylic acid application. The greatest shoot growth and diameter were observed under the 3 mM salicylic acid treatment with 100% irrigation. Increasing water stress reduced relative leaf water content and chlorophyll, while foliar application of 3 mM salicylic acid increased these traits compared to untreated plants. Conversely, water stress increased electrolyte leakage, leaf free proline, soluble sugars, phenolic compounds, and malondialdehyde (MDA), whereas 3 mM salicylic acid significantly reduced these stress indicators. Overall, the findings suggest that foliar application of 3 mM salicylic acid can mitigate the adverse effects of deficit irrigation, allowing water-saving strategies in olive orchards without causing damage to the trees.
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