Abstract
Recent research has proved that supplementary application of silicon, involved in plant tolerance against many stress factors, positively influences plant development improving the quality of ornamental plants. A two-factorial experiment involved four cultivars of ornamental plants: <i>Argyranthemum frutescens</i> 'Blazer Rose', <i>Xerochrysum bracteatum</i> 'Gold', <i>Osteospermum ecklonis</i> 'Grande Pink Blush', and <i>Gaura lindheimeri</i> 'Corinas Choice' The first experimental factor was the concentration of Actisil preparation being an equivalent of 60, 120, and 180 mg Si×dm<sup>-3</sup>, applied three times by spraying, while the second one was the type of medium: peat substrate and peat substrate with sand. Actisil had a beneficial effect on the number of lateral shoots in all plants. The highest number of buds and inflorescences was determined in <i>Xerochrysum</i> and <i>Osteospermum</i> plants sprayed with 0.3% Actisil, and 0.2% Actisil in case of Argyranthemum and Gaura. The effect of medium type on plant growth depended on plant species. <i>Argyranthemum</i> and <i>Osteospermum</i> plants cultivated in the medium with sand showed inhibited growth, although medium type did not affect the growth of <i>Xerochrysum</i>.
Highlights
Silicon, a chemical element commonly occurring in nature, has a positive effect on plant development and resistance
According to Startek et al (2006), silicon contained in Actisil preparation improves plant habit of pot-grown chrysanthemums, stimulating shoot elongation of varieties characterized by moderate growth and inhibiting excessive extension of shoots in varieties showing such a tendency
In Argyranthemum frutescens ‘Blazer Rose’ and Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘Gold’, the number of shoots was higher according to the increase in concentration of fertilizing preparation
Summary
A chemical element commonly occurring in nature, has a positive effect on plant development and resistance. Its properties include the beneficial effect on the ionic balance in plants, reducing toxic effects of manganese and iron excessive amounts, as well as reinforcement of cell walls (Marschner et al 1990). This element is known for its stimulation of plant resistance to fungal diseases (McAvoy and Bible , 1996; Gillman et al 2003), insects (Reynolds et al 2009), and resistance to unfavourable environmental conditions, among others, too low temperature or water deficit. One of the mechanisms for supporting plants under water stress conditions is decreased transpiration resulting in reduction in water loss, but silicon partakes in osmoregulation, maintaining water status and adequate supply of nutrients (Sacała , 2009). Additional treatment with Si does not cause severe injury to plants as its excessive amounts may be secreted
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: 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.
