Reduction of Drought Stress Effects on Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) using Ascorbic Acid and Calcium Carbonate

Abstract

Background: How plants respond to stress conditions can play an important role in the establishment and increasing crop yield. The results of researchers’ reports indicate that extensive morphophysiological and biochemical changes occur in plants under drought stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) and calcium carbonate (CC) on guar under different soil moisture conditions. Methods: The experimental treatments included three drought stress levels (30%, 50% and 70% field capacity, FC) and three foliar application levels (no application, foliar application with CC and AA with 0/003 concentration). Result: Drought and calcium caused an increase in the sugar content relative to the other treatments. An increase in drought intensity led to an increase in proline content, soluble protein and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activity. On the other hand, Leaf relative water content (RWC) decreased significantly. AA and CC increased the soluble protein content and RWC relative to the control condition. In general, moisture availability below 70% FC seems to induce drought stress countermeasures in guar. Foliar application with AA and CC can effectively mitigate drought stress effects on this plant.