The Effect of Super-Absorbent Polymer and Sowing Depth on Growth and Yield Indices of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) in Hamedan Province, Iran

In order to evaluate the effect of using super-absorbent polymer (SAP) on quantitative yield and growth indices of potato in autumn sowing, an experiment was conducted in Hamedan city, Hamedan province, Iran during two crop years. The experiment was conducted as split split plot based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Treatments include sowing depth (10, 15, 20 and 25 cm), potato cultivars (Sante, Fontane, and Agria) and SAP (non-application and application). The use of SAP in all three cultivars led to an increase in stem diameter, crop height and tuber yield and resulted in a decrease in the percentage of tuber dry weight. The results of growth indices showed that in all three cultivars, the use of SAP led to an increase in leaf area index (LAI), in leaf area duration (LAD) and in crop growth rate (CGR). The LAI and LAD increased with increasing depth and use of SAP. The highest LAI and LAD were obtained under conditions of using SAP at three depths. At all sowing depth, the use of SAP resulted in an increase in CGR relative to the non-use of SAP.