Abstract:
The present study was under taken to examine the modic effects of salicylic acid and
ascorbic acid on mineral elements and leaf proline contents of two drought stressed sunflower hybrids
(Hysun-33 and Hysun-38). Drought stress was imposed at vegetative and reproductive growth stages.
Two concentrations of salicylic acid and ascorbic acid (100 and 200 mg L-1
) were applied as a foliar
spray at vegetative and reproductive stages and root treatment. Results revealed that imposition of
drought stress at both the growth stages of both hybrids caused significant reduction for shoot nitrogen,
potassium and calcium contents, whereas non significant reduction for phosphorous contents was
noted. However, in contrast significant increase was noted for proline contents. However, exogenous
application of all the (0, 100 mgL-1
and 200 mgL-1
) concentrations of salicylic acid and ascorbic acid
applied by either mode had a significant drought stress alleviative effects and increased the values of
all the attributes, whereas, non significant increase was noted for phosphorus contents. Effect of foliar
spray application was significantly higher for calcium and leaf proline than root treatment. Salicylic
acid proved more effective than ascorbic acid, particularly, when applied at vegetative stage. Most
effective concentration was 200 mg L-1
and maximum increase was recorded in Hysun-33.
