Maize Yield and Quality as Affected by Salicylic or Ascorbic Acids under Irrigation Regimes

Abstract

Abstract: Appropriate methods should be implemented to address water scarcity in dry and semi-dry areas worldwide. Thus, the current study as-sessed the potential of salicylic (SA) and ascorbic (AsA) acids in enhancing maize tolerance to drought. In a strip-plots design, three irrigation regimes (70%, 85% and 100% of crop water requirements, designated as I70%, I85% and I100%, respectively) and three anti-stress treatments (SA 150 mg L-1, AsA 150 mg L-1, and control treatment, CK) were applied in three replicates. Findings revealed that SA and AsA enhanced plant pigments under moderate or severe drought, surpassing the corresponding control. A reduction in pro-line concentration was observed under I70% and I85% with the application of SA or AsA. Both SA and AsA recorded the highest values of 100-grain weight and grain yield under severe drought. The most effective combina-tions for achieving the highest values were I70% × SA (for crude protein per-centage) and I100% × SA or AsA (for carbohydrates percentage). It can be concluded that maize in arid climates can be treated with salicylic acid (150 mg L-1) to achieve satisfactory yield and quality, especially during moderate deficit irrigation.