Effects of super absorbent polymers application on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of corn (Zeamayz L.) C.V Maxima under water deficit stress

To study the effects of super absorbent polymer application on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of corn under water deficit stress, an experiment was conducted as split plot based on RCBD with three replications at research field of Islamic Azad University, Varamin Branch, in 2012. Experimental factors were water deficit stress (normal irrigation, drought stress in stemming phase, drought stress in tasseling phase and drought stress in stemming and tasseling phase) as main plots and super absorbent polymer (lack of super absorbent, 10kg super absorbent and 20kg super absorbent) as sub plots. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for grain yield and grain oil yield under water deficit stress, application of super absorbent and interaction between water deficit stress and application of super absorbent. Grain oil yield and grain yield in normal irrigation and super absorbent polymer treatments were increased 49% and 50%, respectively. In general, application of super absorbent under water deficit stress by decreasing oxidative stress destructive effects, increased qualitative and quantitative characteristics of corn.