Effects of superabsorbent polymer application and salicylic acid spraying on chickpea productivity

Protecting the plants against drought stress and improving water conservation in soil through proper techniques are vital under rainfed conditions. Therefore in this study the effects of a superabsorbent polymer application and salicylic acid spraying on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were evaluated using a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design. Three factors of salicylic acid (SA), superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and cultivar were studied with the following levels: four SA concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mM, two treatments of non-application and application of SAP and two chickpea cultivars of Bivanij and ILC482. Results showed that the application of SAP in soil and foliar spraying of plants with SA led to significant increases in seed weight compared with control plants. Remarkable improvement in seed yield of chickpea was recorded by the application of SAP along with the highest concentration of SA. The harvest index of Bivanij cultivar in response to SAP application was significantly improved as compared with ILC482.