EFFECTS OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DROUGHT RESISTANCE OF BERMUDAGRASS [CYNODON DACTYLON (L.) PERS.] SEEDLINGS

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. seedlings was used as test material and applied five SAP concentrations: 0.00%, 0.10%, 0.20%, 0.30%, and 0.40%. The effects of the five SAP treatments on the physiological characteristics of C. dactylon seedlings under two water supply conditions were studied and a comprehensive drought resistance evaluation method was used to analyze and evaluate the drought resistance of C. dactylon . Results: (1) the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, including Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, and Chlorophyll a+b were all higher than those in the CK group when the SAP concentration was 0.10%-0.30%; (2) The malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities in the leaves of C. dactylon treated with SAP were all altered, and the concentrations of MDA were higher than those in the CK group, indicating that applying SAP could minimize the environmental stress experienced by C. dactylon . (3) The addition of SAP could improve the drought resistance of C. dactylon seedlings. Under adequate water conditions, the order of drought resistance of C. dactylon under the five SAP concentrations would be 0.30% 0.10% > 0.20% > 0.40% > 0.00%, and under limited water conditions, the order would be 0.20% > 0.30% > 0.40% > 0.10% > 0.00%.