Nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide alleviate drought stress in marigold explants and promote its adventitious root development

► Drought stress alleviation by NO and H2O2. ► NO or H2O2 promoted on rooting under drought conditions. ► Endogenous H2O2 is involved in rooting promoted by NO under drought stress. ► Protection of mesophyll cells by NO or H2O2 under drought stress enhanced rooting.