Interaction of silicon and boron in oilseed rape plants

Abstract

Abstract Shoot and root dry matter yields of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) grown on the solutions containing 0.025 and 5.0 μg boron (B)/mL (referred to as B1 and B3, respectively) were less than those grown on the solutions containing 0.5 μg B/mL (referred to as B2). Silicon (Si) added increased shoot and root dry matter yields of B1‐treated plants, while decreased those of B3‐treated plants. Shoot and root dry matter yields of B2‐treated plants were slightly affected by Si added. The effect of B and Si on leaf area was similar to that on shoot and root dry matter yields. Excessive B supply (B3) and B deficiency (B1) resulted in a decrease in net photosynthetic rate. Silicon added increased the net photosynthetic rate under B deficiency, but had little effect at normal and excessive B levels. Silicon seems to enhance B uptake and accumulation by plants under B deficiency, but depresses B uptake at normal and excessive B levels. The Si/B ratios of B1‐ and B2‐treated plants were much lower than those of ...