Salicylic Acid with Phosphorus Strengthens Antioxidative System, Secondary Metabolite Accumulation, and Limited Resource Enrichment to Enhance Photosynthesis under Drought in Mustard

Infrequent and untimely rainfall restricts plants’ water availability which reduces photosynthetic potential, growth, and yield. To cope with drought-induced adversities, utilization of available water and nutrients together with reduction in oxidative stress is primary concern. This study aims to unravel the approach applied by supplementation of salicylic acid (SA) with phosphorus (P) to reduced drought stress in mustard. In a randomized block design, 30 mg P kg−1 soil and 0.5 mM SA were used to study their effect on drought-stressed plants. Drought stress was imposed after 15 days of sowing (DAS) by withholding water to 50