Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of silicon (Si) supplementation (0.35 g Na2SiO3 kg-1 soil, 2.73 mmol Si kg-1 soil) was studied in drought-stressed pistachio (Pistacia vera L. ‘Ahmadaghaii’) plants under field conditions. Silicon treatment significantly increased plant dry weight and relative water content under drought stress. The application of Si for drought-stressed plants improved the maximum quantum yield of PSII. A reduction in the net assimilation rate due to drought stress was alleviated by Si application, accompanied by an increase in stomatal conductance. Silicon treatment resulted in higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities and lower lipid peroxidation in the leaves of drought-stressed plants. The results suggest that supplementation of water-deficient pistachio plants with Si alleviates the adverse effects of drought due to its enhancement of photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic gas exchange, as well as an activation of the antioxidant defence capacity in this species.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.