Application of superabsorbent polymers in chayote under rainfed conditions

Authors

  • José Sánchez-Arellano Posgrado en Hidrociencias-Campus Montecillo-Colegio de Postgraduados. Carretera México-Texcoco km 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco, Estado de México, México. CP. 56264
  • Roberto Ascencio-Hernández Posgrado en Hidrociencias-Campus Montecillo-Colegio de Postgraduados. Carretera México-Texcoco km 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco, Estado de México, México. CP. 56264
  • Héctor Flores-Magdaleno Posgrado en Hidrociencias-Campus Montecillo-Colegio de Postgraduados. Carretera México-Texcoco km 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco, Estado de México, México. CP. 56264
  • Guillermo Carrillo-Flores Posgrado en Hidrociencias-Campus Montecillo-Colegio de Postgraduados. Carretera México-Texcoco km 36.5, Montecillo, Texcoco, Estado de México, México. CP. 56264
  • Héctor García-Martínez Comisión Nacional del Agua. Avenida Insurgentes Sur 2416, Copilco El Bajo, Ciudad de México. México. CP. 04340

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v16i8.3900

Keywords:

Sechium edule, hydrogel, moisture retention

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) provide an innovative alternative for soil moisture retention, improving water use efficiency and crop productivity. The study aimed to evaluate the application of SAPs in chayote cultivation under rainfed conditions, using four doses (0, 100, 150, 200 g plant-1). The research was carried out on an agricultural plot in Chocamán, Veracruz, from October 2023 to April 2024. The experimental design employed a generalized randomized block design with two blocks, four treatments, and two replications per block. The variables evaluated were soil moisture content, growth, leaf area, and yield. The SAP treatments maintained higher moisture levels, with a maximum increase of 7.8%, particularly during periods of higher rainfall. The treatment with the highest dose (T4 200 g plant-1) presented the highest vertical growth and yield (97.3 kg plant-1). No significant differences in leaf area were found between some treatments. The application of SAPs improved soil moisture retention, favoring growth and yield. Their use is a viable strategy to improve water availability and chayote yield under rainfed conditions; nevertheless, the optimal dose could vary depending on soil properties and rainfall distribution.

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Published

2025-12-04

How to Cite

Sánchez-Arellano, José, Roberto Ascencio-Hernández, Héctor Flores-Magdaleno, Guillermo Carrillo-Flores, and Héctor García-Martínez. 2025. “Application of Superabsorbent Polymers in Chayote under Rainfed Conditions”. Revista Mexicana De Ciencias Agrícolas 16 (8). México, ME:e3900. https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v16i8.3900.

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 8 (2025)

Section

Articles

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