Effect of Salicylic Acid Foliar Application and Saline Irrigation Water on Soil Salinity and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of foliar spray of salicylic acid under irrigation with saline water on soil salinity; growth and production of maize (Zea mays L.) variety single-cross 10. It comprised three salicylic acid were foliar applied to maize plants in rates of 0,100 and 200 mg kg-1. Three level of irrigation water salinity, (ECw) were 390 (tap water as control),  1750 and 3500 mg kg-1. Some soil properties were determined. The yield of Maize (Zea Mayes L.), some yield component and the chlorophyll content were recorded and statistically analyzed.  The results indicated that the saline irrigation water having ECw of  390, 1750, and 3500 mg kg-1 significantly increased the ECe of sandy soil to 1152, 2144 and 3680 mg kg-1, respectively. The ECe increase was almost proportional to the ECw of irrigation. The result revealed that the irrigation water salinity, (ECw) were significantly decreased maize grain yield, weight of 100 kernels, the ear weight and the plant height. While, fresh and dry weight as well as  the chlorophyll content were not significantly affected.  However, foliar spray of salicylic acid was significantly increased the grain yield. The salicylic acid at rates of 100 and 200 mg kg-1 increased the grain yield by 28.8% and more than 50% of the maximum yield, respectively. Application of salicylic acid demonstrated a gradually positive effect on the grain yield, chlorophyll content and ear weight. But it did not significantly affected on the other crop parameters like the weight of 100 kernels, plant height, fresh and dry weight. The highest grain yield was obtained by application of salicylic acid with control of irrigation water salinity, (866.49 g/plot). Moreover, the statistical analysis indicated that there was interaction between the salinity of irrigation water and foliar application of salicylic acid. It is evident that foliar application of salicylic acid not only induced grain yield but also played an role in controlled salinity tolerance in maize plants. Key words: Chlorophyll content, irrigation of saline water, maize, salicylic acid, soil salinity and Zea mays L.,