Agriculture faces growing threats from climatic variability and severe water
scarcity. As a drought-sensitive horticultural crop, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
experiences marked declines in growth and tuber yield under moisture deficit
conditions. Phytohormones serve as essential signalling molecules that modulate
plant physiological responses under abiotic stress. The present study evaluated the
protective efficacy of exogenous Salicylic Acid (SA) and Jasmonic Acid (JA) on
potato cultivar (cv. Kufri Chipsona-1) subjected to water stress. Eighteen potted
plants were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), comprising
control and water-stressed regimes combined with foliar applications of SA and JA
across three replications. Exogenous SA application significantly enhanced plant
height, chlorophyll retention, and overall tuber yield, thereby effectively mitigating
drought-induced damage. Conversely, while JA mediated defense-related
responses, it demonstrated limited capacity for vegetative growth promotion under
water-limited conditions.
Water stress, Phytohormones, Salicylic acid, Jasmonic acid, Kufri Chipsona-1