Foliar application of potassium on antioxidant enzyme activities of tomato plants under drought stress

Abstract

Water stress negatively affects productivity in crops, while the foliar application of potassium-containing compounds may be helpful in reducing the drought effects. This study evaluated the efficacy of foliar applied potassium chloride (control - distilled water spray -, 3 and 6 mM^-1) on tomato plants under drought stress. Three irrigation levels were maintained at 100, 75 and 50% according to evapotranspiration designated as well watered, moderate and severe drought stressed. Increasing drought stress significantly reduced plant growth and yield. The foliar applied KCl produced maximum leaf area, stem diameter and length, plant yield under each drought stress conditions compared to control. The minimum of growth factors were obtained by control under severe stress. Highest yield per plant was also recorded for foliar applied KCl under moderate condition than other treatments. Foliar applied KCl alone decreased the SOD, CAT and PPO in well-watered condition but KCl application on tomato plants under drought stress induced the antioxidant enzyme activities more than control well-watered treatment.