The effect of different doses of silicon and manganese on the size and chemical composition of lettuce heads

Abstract

The results of numerous studies indicate a beneficial effect of silicon in cultivation, however, reports on the impact of this element on the chemical composition of plants are varied. The studies on the effect of silicon application on the manganese uptake, which excess can be strongly toxic for plants, are also inconclusive. Studies conducted in 2009-2010 were to determine the effect of rhizosphere application of silicon (0, 250, 500 or 750 mg·dm-3) and manganese (5.2 or 52.0 mg·dm-3) on the size and chemical composition of lettuce heads of the variety ‘Omega F1’ grown in the greenhouse. Two-factor experiment was carried out in a completely randomized system. Plants were grown in pots with a volume of 2 dm3 filled with peat substrate at pH 6.5. The studies reported a significantly greater weight of heads and a higher content of dry matter of plants fed with silicon at a dose of 250 mg·dm-3 compared to control objects that were not used for this element. Regardless of silicon fertilization a significant increase was shown in the weight of the unit heads of lettuce fertilized with manganese at a dose of 52.0 mg·dm-3 in comparison to 5.2 mg·dm-3. Lettuce fed with silicon at a dose of 750 mg·dm-3 contained significantly more phosphorus and potassium and less manganese compared to control plants without feeding this element.