Mitigating drought stress in sesame by foliar application of salicylic acid, beeswax waste and licorice extract

•Drought stress caused damage to growth and some physio-biochemical traits.•Exogenous foliar application of substances mitigated the oxidative damages.•The modulating power of beeswax waste extract on drought stress was more effective than licorice extract and salicylic acid.•Beeswax waste extract can be utilized as an osmoprotectant instead of their synthesized ones.