Influence of Silica Gel on Ion Homeostasis in Salt Stressed Wheat Varieties of Balochistan

Abstract

Wheat belongs to Gramineae family and it is called as silicon accumulator. Utilizing the saline lands is one of the critical techniques introduced to increase the production of wheat in the world. Application of silicon can reduce the adverse effects of salinity in wheat grown under salt stress. Therefore, in this research effect of silica gel as a common source of silicon was investigated on wheat grown under salt stress. Seeds of four varieties, two salt sensitive (Sariab & Pir-sabaq) & two salt tolerant (Zarlashta & Zardana) were treated with silicon in the form of silica gel (SiO2) in the presence & absence of salt. After harvesting of the wheat, sodium and potassium concentrations were observed in the wheat plants. The dried wheat plants were acid digested and sodium and potassium were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that salt stress suppressed not only the growth but also increased the sodium concentration in plants. Sodium concentration was increased from 12.87 to 19.63 mg/Kg under salt stress of 100 mM of NaCl. Whereas, potassium concentration decreased from 102.61 to 92.92 mg/Kg under salt stress. When silica gel was applied to salt stressed plants, the sodium concentration decreased (16 mg/Kg) with an increase in potassium concentration (114.73 mg/Kg). Silica gel as a source of silicon positively affected ion homeostasis by increasing potassium and decreasing sodium concentration in wheat varieties grown under salt stress. It is, therefore, suggested that application of silicon must be included in salt stress alleviation techniques.