Scarcity of water is a severe environmental constraint to crop production in arid and semi arid region. Salicylic acid (SA) plays an important role in the regulation of plant growth in response to environmental stresses. In this study, the effect of SA (0, 70 and 100 ppm) was investigated on growth and yield of two Iranian melons (Khatooni and Ghasri cultivars) under drought stress (W100%, W80% and W60%). Experimental design was a split factorial based on complete block design with four replications. Results showed average fruit weight, yield and fruit ripening duration were decreased by increasing water restriction but total soluble solid (TSS) and proline content increased. Salicylic acid increased chlorophyll content (SPAD), fruit ripening duration and TSS than control. Different water treatments and salicylic acid levels had no significant effects on number of fruit per plant.

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