Interaction of super absorbent polymeric and water deficit conditions on the biophysical, biochemical structure and eco-physiological characteristic of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat Heydarieh, Iran

10.22092/mpt.2025.371232.1206

Abstract

S
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual medicinal and aromatic spice, whose the growth and development disrupted by environmental stresses such as water deficit, salinity, and cold stress. Therefore, in order to investigate the effect of super absorbent polymer (SAP) on reducing drought stress in sweet basil plants, an experiment was conducted on factorial management base on randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was SAP in four levels: 0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha⁻¹, and the second factor was deficient irrigation at three levels: 100% field capacity (FC, control), 75% FC (moderate stress stress), and 50% FC (severe stress). The results showed was no significant differences in plant height, number of inflorescences, leaf number, leaf area, and leaf mass between the control and SAP treatments (p≤ 0.05). The highest eco-physiological indices such as leaf area ratio (LAR) and leaf weight ratio (LWR) were obtained in the 150 kg ha⁻¹ (severe strain) SAP treatment (6.079 mm² mg⁻¹ and 0.367 respectively). The lowest of proline and soluble sugars concentrations were also recorded in the control (non stress) and 225 kg ha⁻¹ (non stress) SAP (2.55 μM per 100 g of fresh leaves and 56.26 μL, respectively). Overall, SAP affected several biophysical characteristic but did not produce significant benefits under severe water deficit. In addition, long-term persistence of these materials in soil can complicate tillage and replanting. Application to annual crops, especially medicinal plants, therefore requires a case-by-case assessment.

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