Potassium silicate as a new micronutrient agent in the initial development of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Abstract

Silicon (Si) is considered a non-essential micronutrient for vegetables, although it has important functions during vegetative development in some large crops of agricultural interest. This study aimed to evaluate the action of Silicon on vegetative development in a sunflower cultivar ‘Multissol’. The experiment was carried out in full sun in February 2024, with five dosages (0; 150; 300; 600 and 900 kg ha-1) using potassium silicate as a source of Si. The vigor variables for humidity, germination, accelerated aging, weight of 100 grains, electrical conductivity, cold test and emergence in sand and soil were analyzed. Vegetative parameters for plant height, root size, number of leaves, aerial and root fresh mass and aerial and root dry mass were also evaluated. The germination rate was greater than 90%, the electrical conductivity was 100 µS cm-1.g-1, emergence in sand and soil was greater than 90%, regarding the variables of the vegetative phase, there were substantial gains (p < 0.05) in all parameters analyzed, especially for the highest dosage of 900 kg ha-1 when compared between the control. Si has a positive effect on the evaluated parameters and is a non-essential element that has positive effects on sunflower crops, especially on the Multissol cultivar.