The effectiveness of growth regulators, such as salicylic acid, in enhancing plant resistance to a range of biotic and abiotic stresses is well documented. Against the background of Iran’s pressing water scarcity problems and the widespread cultivation of dragon’s head in various industries, this study sought to investigate the influence of salicylic acid on both grain yield and oil quality of dragon’s head under conditions of limited irrigation. Field experiments were conducted using a split-plot design within a randomised complete block format, replicated three times over the course of 2017 and 2018. The experimental design included different irrigation regimes, ranging from full irrigation to cessation of irrigation at critical growth stages such as flowering and branching, as primary plots. At the same time, sub-plots were subjected to different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA), namely 1, 2, 3 and 0 mM. It’s noteworthy that the irrigation cut-off significantly reduced key metrics such as unsaturated fatty acid content, protein percentage, as well as grain, oil, protein and mucilage yields. Conversely, it induced an increase in saturated fatty acids in oil and mucilage percentage in grain. However, the application of SA had a discernible positive effect, increasing both grain yield and quality. The results showed that SA application, especially at a concentration of 2 mM, increased the levels of linoleic and oleic unsaturated fatty acids while reducing stearic and palmitic saturated fatty acids under drought conditions. As a result, SA application served as a potent mitigator against the adverse effects of drought stress on grain oil quality, resulting in overall improvements in product quality.
