Response of Ajowan (Carum Copticum L.) to Absicic Acid and Salicylic Acid Applications under Varying Water Deficit Conditions

Grain yield and yield components of ajowan (Carum copticum L.) were evaluated under field condition in response to salicylic acid (SA) (0 and 1 mM L-1) and abscisic acid (ABA) (0 and 50 mu M L-1) applications when irrigated after 70, 100, 130 and 160 mm evaporation from class A pan. Umbels per plant, grains per plant, 1000-grain weight, plant biomass, grain yield per unit area, and harvest index decreased with increasing water stress. Application of ABA and SA increased yield and yield components of ajowan, but did not affect harvest index. Generally foliar application of SA and ABA improved the field performance of ajowan under favorable and unfavorable water regimes.