Enhancing Growth and Biochemical Traits of Helianthus annuus L. Under Drought Stress Using a Super Absorbent Dextrin–Polyacrylamide Hydrogel as a Soil Conditioner

Abstract

Drought stress significantly affects plant growth and productivity, including sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.). Superabsorbent hydrogels, specifically composed of dextrin and polyacrylamide, offer a potential solution to mitigate drought stress and enhance the biochemical traits of sunflowers. This study explored the impact of copolymer composition on the gel fraction, swelling behavior, water retention, morphology, and chemical structure of dextrin (Dix)/polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels synthesized via radical polymerization. Results revealed that the 50/50 ratio of the Dix/PAAm hydrogel exhibited desirable characteristics, including a heterogeneous pore structure (approximately 100 μm) and higher water absorption capacity attributed to a greater Dix content. In a pot experiment, the (Dix/PAAm) hydrogel played a crucial role in alleviating the harmful effects of drought stress on the growth, chlorophyll content, fresh shoot weight, and pigments in sunflowers. The hydrogel application positively influenced these parameters by enhancing water retention, nutrient availability, and physiological responses to drought stress. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of the (Dix/PAAm) hydrogel as an effective tool for enhancing plant resilience to drought stress and promoting growth and biochemical traits in sunflowers.

Biodegradable Dextrin-Based Microgels for Slow Release of Dual Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture

“…It is to be noted that dextrin-based carriers have been widely explored for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. − However, to the best of our knowledge, limited work has been done on utilizing dextrin-based carriers for controlled release of fertilizers. In this direction, blends of grafted dextrin with polylactic- co -glycolic acid- block -polyethylene glycol copolymer for the release of herbicides and dextrin-polyacrylamide-based hydrogel as a soil conditioner are the limited examples currently available in the literature. , Further, it has been reported in the literature that the incorporation of hydrophobic segments in the SRFs can help in preventing the rapid dissolution of fertilizers like urea in water. − …”