ABSTRACT
Arid and semi-arid climatic conditions have limited water resources and thereby crop production is also limited (Prinz and Singh 2003). The rapid growth of the population and the reduction of resources makes it necessary to study methods for the optimal use of food production potential for greater productivity (Godfray et al. 2010). Because in most parts of the world water is the main limiting factor for agricultural production, its optimal use is very important (Mancosu et al. 2015). This is more serious for countries with a dry climate, most of which are classed as arid and semi-arid. Paying attention to the economy and management of water resources is important not only in arid and semi-arid regions but also in areas with good rainfall as it influences production costs (Heyns 2009). In this regard, knowing the reaction of plants and determining the sensitivity of different stages of their growth to osmotic stress is of great importance (Osakabe et al. 2014).
