Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of abscisic acid on plant growth parameters and parameters related to leaf gas exchange (photosynthetic and transpiration rates, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency). Salt stress caused by NaCl treatment affected values of all parameters analyzed. The effects were ameliorated by abscisic acid. The hormone increased root mass, relative water content and quietly water use. Under this condition, the application of abscisic acid affected the values of parameters studied, indicating not only its importance of synthesis for the normal development of the plant.