Effect of water stress and NaCl triggered changes on yield,physiology, biochemistry of broad bean (Vicia faba) plants and on quality of harvested pods

Salinity and drought are the most important abiotic stresses affecting crop yield. Broad bean was chosen as model plant for assessing the impact of salt stress and its interaction with drought in the field experiments. The factors examined in the experiments were the two irrigation rates (normal watering — NW with 3 L plant^?1 and drought — D) and three salinity rates imposed by foliar application (0, 50, 100 mg L^?1 NaCl). Highest NaCl level with normal water irrigation caused maximum reduction in plant height and production, which it was due to photosynthetic disturbances. Salt injuries were alleviated by increasing water stress. The control plants exposed to NaCl lost their ability over water control. The increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and H₂O₂ indicate the prevalence of oxidative stress due to salinity. The levels of proline and carbohydrates were higher under salinity alone than under simultaneous exposure to drought and NaCl. The protein concentration of immature and mature broad bean pods was more inhibited more by NaCl supply than by drought alone. The combination of drought and NaCl resulted in a significant increase in proteins, glucose, fructose and sucrose content. Overall, the ameliorative effect of drought under NaCl supply was quantified.