Effects of superabsorbent polymer on the number and leaf area of lettuce under drought stress

In this research, to evaluate the effect of superabsorbent polymer and drought stress on the number and leaf area of Lettuce, experimental  research was conducted in a completely randomized design factorial with two treatments of irrigation regime at three levels (60, 80 and 100 percent of crop water requirement) and four superabsorbent hydrogel application (0, 4, 6 and 8 g per kg of soil) in three replications in the research field of Faculty of Water Sciences Engineering, ShahidChamran University of Ahvaz. The results showed that the use of superabsorbent and drought stress had a significant effect on the number and leaf area of Lettuce. The highest number of leaves (56 leaves per plant) was obtained in treatment with 8 grams of superabsorbent and 80 percent crop water requirement. The highest leaf area (6320 ) was obtained in non stress conditions (100percent crop water requirement) and application of 6 grams superabsorbent hydrogel per kilogram of soil. The lowest number of leaves (43 leaves per plant) and leaf area (3043 cm2) was obtained in treatment with 0 gram of superabsorbent and 60 percent crop water requirement. Between treatments of this research, the most effect in increasing the number of leaves and leaf area was observed in treatment with 6 grams superabsorbent and 100 percent crop water requirement. Therefore, it is recommended.