Improving drought resistance in wheat (triticum aestivum) by exogenous application of growth enhancers

Water stress due to its severity badly effects productivity in cereals, while the foliar application of growth-enhancing substances may be helpful in reducing the drought effects. This study evaluated the efficacy of foliar applied growth enhancers i.e. Moring oleifera leaf extract (MLE), benzyl amino purine (BAP, 50 mg L^-1) and K (SOP, 2%) against water spray as control in wheat cv. Sehar-2006. Three irrigation levels were maintained at 100, 75 and 50% field capacity designated as well watered, moderate and severe drought stressed. Increasing drought stress significantly reduced plant growth and yield. The foliar applied MLE and BAP produced maximum leaf area, Chl a and b under well watered conditions and minimum in control under severe stress. Total leaf soluble proteins were also higher in well watered and drought stressed plants applied with BAP. Foliar applied MLE increased POD, catalase, ascorbic acid and leaf K⁺ contents under moderate drought, while total phenolic contents under severe drought condition. BAP application exhibited enhanced SOD levels under severe drought. Highest grain yield per plant was also recorded for foliar applied MLE under well watered, moderate and severe water stress than other growth enhancers. Nonetheless, foliar applied growth enhancers particularly moringa leaf extracts ameliorated the adverse effects of drought by enhancing antioxidant levels and plant secondary metabolites.