WATER STRESS MANAGEMENT USING HYDROGELS AND THEIR IMPACT ON PLANT BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LACTUCA SATIVA

In the recent decades, hydrogels have proven great potential for agricultural usage regarding water management and controlled release of stimulants and further improving the food production. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of 4 different hydrogel compositions in 2 forms of administration (beads and granules) on water management and the impact on the biochemical composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). In this regard, two different conditions were assured, namely induced drought stress and regularly irrigated conditions. The lettuce plants were periodically analysed to determine the ascorbic acid content, polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results showed slightly higher content in ascorbic acid for the regularly irrigated plants. Contrary, the antioxidant activity and total polyphenolic content showed an increase in plants subjected to drought stress. Between the two forms of hydrogel administration, the granular form presented better properties in alleviating the water stress induced by the extensive period of drought.