Abstract: ObjectiveThe effects of different dosages of super absorbent polymers(SAP)on physiological characteri-stics of Areca catechu L.seedlings under drought stress were explored to provide theoretical basis for water-saving and drought-resistant cultivation of it.MethodPotted A.catechu Reyan 1 seedlings were used as materials.After 20 d of applying 0.1%-0.4% SAP under drought condition,relative water content,soluble protein content,malondialdehyde (MDA)content,chlorophyll content,superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and peroxidase(POD)activity of A.catechu seedlings in different treatments were detected,and variation of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters,light energy utiliza-tion and dissipation indicators were analyzed.ResultUnder drought stress,application of 0.1%-0.4% SAP effectively in-creased leaf relative water content,chlorophyll content,soluble protein content,SOD activity and POD activity;but when the dose reached 0.3%,relative water content,soluble protein content and chlorophyll content in A.catechu leaves reached the peak,MDA content was the smallest and POD activity was the highest.The maximal photochemical efficien-cy(Fv/Fm)chlorophyll fluorescence parameters photosystem II(PSII)and actual photochemical efficiencyY(II)of PSII reached the maximum when SAP dose was 0.3%.As SAP dose rose,photochemical quenching coefficient(qP)in-creased,but non-photochemical quenching coefficient(NPQ)went through a down-up variation.ConclusionThe appli-cation of SAP can effectively increase osmolytes contents and antioxidant enzymes in leaves of A.catechu under drought stress,ensure the progress of photosynthesis and alleviate the damage of drought stress on A.catechu seedlings.The opti-mal dose of SAP is 0.3%.