Abstract
The use of foliar sprays with silicon compounds is relatively new. Initially (in 1990) foliar sprays with silicates were used. In 2003, foliar sprays with (stabilized) silicic acid were introduced, and more recently foliar sprays with silica nanoparticles have also been applied. Foliar sprays with silicates are effective as pesticides, while (stabilized) silicic acid sprays increase growth and yield and decrease biotic and abiotic stresses. The limited data on foliar silica-nano sprays show a tendency to decrease biotic stress and to stimulate a limited increase in growth and yield.
Highlights
Foliar fertilization is the application of nutrients, plant hormones, biostimulants, other beneficial substances and pesticides to the leaves and stems of plants
From the 1950s onwards, foliar feeding in agriculture was used on an ever-increasing scale, with macro- and micro-nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, cobalt, chromium, calcium, fluoride, iodine, iron, molybdenum, and selenium [5,6], as well as pesticides
During the last three decades, other substances have been used, including plant growth regulators such as abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3) and biostimulants, which are applied as a foliar spray
Summary
Foliar fertilization (or foliar feeding) is the application of nutrients, plant hormones, biostimulants, other beneficial substances and pesticides to the leaves and stems of plants. Plant biostimulants are substance(s) or micro-organisms applied to plants with the aim of enhancing nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality traits, regardless of the nutrient content [7]. These biostimulants include (a) humic/fulvic acids [8,9];.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
