Foliar Application Of Silicon Research Articles

Silicon in wheat crop under water limitation and seed tolerance to water stress during germination

Water stress during wheat seed germination and seedling establishment for affect the percentage and speed of germination. Silicon (Si) is related to plant tolerance to different types of stress, then the application of this nutrient in the mother plant during seed production could contribute to the improvement of the seed quality and, consequently, its tolerance to stress. The aim was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of silicon on the tolerance of wheat seeds, produced under different irrigation levels, to water stress during germination and initial seedling growth. Wheat seeds were produced under three irrigation depths (0, 50 and 100% of the total required irrigation) applied after the anthesis. The silicon was supplied in two doses by foliar application (0 and 5 mM of Si). The germination and seedling growth were performed under water stress induced by PEG 6000 at the -0.2; -0.4; -0.6 MPa osmotic potentials. In addition, in the control only distilled water was used. The reduction of the osmotic potential reduced seed germination, germination speed and seedling growth. Irrigation depths, as well as foliar application of Si, during seed production did not influence the physiological quality and tolerance of seeds to water stress during germination.

Influence of Various Forms of Foliar Application on Root Yield and Technological Quality of Sugar Beet

The Green Deal adopted by the European Commission assumes a significant reduction in the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. It is necessary to search for environmentally safe technologies that will prevent a reduction in crop yield. One of such methods, which was examined in the study, is the foliar application of silicon, which can have a positive effect on root yield and its quality. In the period 2017–2019, a field experiment was carried out in which the effectiveness of the application of various forms of silicon (orthosilicic acid, a mixture of orthosilicic and polysilicic acid and calcium silicate) in sugar beet cultivation was assessed. The applied treatments of foliar application increased the root yield by 10.7–11.7%, the biological sugar yield by 8.4–12% and the pure sugar yield by 7.2–11.8% as compared to the control treatment. The differences between the individual treatments in terms of these characteristics were insignificant. Their impacts on the technological quality of roots (content of sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium and sodium) were different.

Foliar application of silicon boosts growth, photosynthetic leaf gas exchange, antioxidative response and resistance to limited water irrigation in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)

Plant cell and water relationship regulates morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics to optimize carboxylation for enhanced biomass yield in sugarcane. Insufficient water irrigation is one of the serious problems to impair potential yield of agriculturally important sugarcane cash crop by loss in plant performance. Our study aims to reveal consequences of foliar spray of silicon (Si) using calcium metasilicate powder (Wollastonite, CaO.SiO2) to alleviate the adverse effects of limited water irrigation in sugarcane. Silicon (0, 50, 100 and 500 ppm) was applied as foliar spray on normally grown 45 days old sugarcane plants. Further, these plants were raised at half field capacity (50%) using water irrigation precisely up to 90 days under open environmental variables. Consequently, restricted irrigation impaired plant growth-development, leaf relative water content (%), photosynthetic pigments, SPAD unit, photosynthetic performance, chlorophyll fluorescence variable yield (Fv/Fm) and biomass yield. Notably, it has enhanced values of proline, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidative defense enzyme molecules viz., catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The foliar spray of Si defended sugarcane plants from limited water irrigation stress as Si quenched harmful effect of water-deficit and also enhanced the operation of antioxidant defense machinery for improved sugarcane plant performance suitably favored stomatal dynamics for photosynthesis and plant productivity.

Effects of Foliar Silicon Application, Seed Inoculation and Splitting of N Fertilization on Yield, Physiological Quality, and Economic Viability of the Common Bean

Effects of Foliar Silicon Application, Seed Inoculation and Splitting of N Fertilization on Yield, Physiological Quality, and Economic Viability of the Common Bean

Influence of Foliar Silicic Acid Application on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Varieties Grown across Two Distinct Rainfall Years.

The foliar nutrition of silicic acid is considered to be a novel approach in enhancing the performance of many crops worldwide. The present study aimed to assess if the foliar application of silicon (Si) could influence the performance of soybean varieties with distinct crop duration, MAUS-2 (long duration) and KBS-23 (short duration). Field experiments were conducted in two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) of varied rainfall with foliar application of silicic acid @ 2 and 4 mL L−1 for three and two sprays each. The results showed significant enhancement in the yield, seed quality (protein and oil content), and uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, and Si) by various parts viz., seed, husk, and haulm of both varieties with foliar nutrition of silicic acid. However, the short duration variety, KBS-23, responded well under low rainfall conditions (2016) with two sprays of foliar silicic acid @ 4 mL L−1 and MAUS-2 variety in the second season under higher rainfall (2017) with three sprays of foliar silicic acid @ 2 mL L−1, along with the recommended dose of fertilizer. This research revealed that the effectiveness of foliar silicic acid nutrition differs with the duration of the varieties, number of sprays given, and water availability in the soil during the cropping period.

Silicon influenced ripening metabolism and improved fruit quality traits in apples

The benefits of silicon against abiotic stress in different annual plant species have been described in many studies, however the regulation of ripening of fruit tree crops by silicon remains largely uncharacterized. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the impact of foliar silicon application in the apple (cv. ‘Fuji’) fruit ripening traits along with the effect of silicon in the nutrient and metabolic changes in the fully expanded leaves, annual shoots, fruit outer pericarp (peel) and fruit mesocarp (skin) tissues. Data indicated that fruit firmness and apple peel color attributes, such as redness (a*) and percentage of red-blushed surface were induced by silicon application. Moreover, several fruit ripening traits, such as titratable acidity, soluble solid content and respiration rate were unaffected by silicon. Endogenous silicon level in leaves shoots and peel tissues were increased by exogenously applied silicon while several elements (i.e., P, Mg, Mn, Fe and Cu) were altered in the tested tissues that exposed to silicon. In addition, silicon increased the accumulation of total phenolic and total anthocyanin compounds in the various apple tissues. The level of various primary metabolites including sorbitol, fructose, maltose cellobiose, malic acid, phosphoric acid and gluconic acid was also notably affected by silicon in a tissue-specific manner. Overall, this study provides a valuable resource for future research, aiming in the elucidation of the role of silicon in fruit tree physiology.

Changes in essential oil composition and fatty acid profile of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves under salinity and foliar-applied silicon

Silicon (Si) has beneficial role in alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress on plant growth; however, its impacts on essential oil (EO) and fatty acid (FA) composition have not been well recognized. This study investigated the effect of Si and salinity on EO yield and composition as well as FA profile of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves. Foliar application of 50, 100 and 200 mg L−1 Si and 50, 100, and 200 mM NaCl were applied on 4-leaf plants for 40 days. The results showed that salt-stressed plants experiencing 50 or 100 mM NaCl had higher EO yield. The EO yield increased by progressing Si concentration. The main EO constitutes were n-decanal (12.3-29.7%), 2E-dodecanal (12.1-22.1%), 2E-decanal (4.8-8.7%), 2E-tridecen-1-al (6.7-12.4%), and n-nonane (3.4-9.8%). Salt stress increased saturated fatty acids (SFAs) including palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) and reduced monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), oleic acid (C18:1), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3). The C16:0 and 2E-decanal increased by progressing the salt stress. However, salinity decreased the unsaturated fatty acids and n-decanal. Heat map analysis (HMA) showed 200 mM NaCl was significantly different from other treatments, which was mainly determined by n-nonane, n-decanal, and 2E-dodecanal. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed all FAs, n-decanal, 2E-decanal were the main effective variables to show the changes of the treatments. Depending on the goals, it is possible to choose the best treatment of salinity and Si to reach the optimum amount of given compound.

Foliar-applied silicon nanoparticles mitigate cadmium stress through physio-chemical changes to improve growth, antioxidant capacity, and essential oil profile of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.)

The use of nanofertilizers is a promising method for enhancing plant productivity and mitigating environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to show the silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) effects on growth, water content, phenolic and flavonoid content, and essential oil (EO) profile in aerial parts of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. The pot experiment was conducted with Cd concentration (0, 10, and 20 mg Cd kg−1 soil) and foliar application of Si-NPs (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 mM of SiO2). The results revealed severe Cd stress (20 mg Cd kg−1 soil) significantly decreased root and shoot weight, relative water content (RWC) but increased Cd accumulation in roots and shoots and proline concentration. Moderate Cd level (10 mg Cd kg−1 soil) improved total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and EO content. Under Cd stress, the 1.5 or 2.25 mM Si-NPs were highly effective concentrations to improve the growth and EO yield. The main EO constitutes were carvacrol (43.12–57.6%), γ-terpinene (20.56–25.6%), p-cymene (5.53–11.3%), and thymol (1.65–8.2%) with changes in their concentrations under Cd and Si-NPs. Heat map analysis (HMA) showed fresh weight, dry weight, and EO yield with a higher variation during these treatments had the most significant impact on distinguishing the clusters. The present study recommended 1.5–2.25 mM Si-NPs in improving the physio-biochemical status of summer savory plants to cope with Cd stress.

Does Foliar Application of Silicon under Natural Water Stress Conditions Increase Rice Yield in Subtropical Dry Regions?

Does Foliar Application of Silicon under Natural Water Stress Conditions Increase Rice Yield in Subtropical Dry Regions?

Does foliar silicon application enhance the biomass yield of millet silage, and does it provide significant economic gains?

Millet is a grass that has been highlighted for silage production, especially for being a productive tropical plant, and undemanding concerning soil fertility. Silicon (Si) is an alternative low-cost solution to increase biomass production, and it has been noticed to be beneficial to plants, especially when there are stress conditions. So, we analyzed the effects of foliar silicon application to gas exchanges, dry biomass production, and economic efficiency. We used a completely randomized experimental design consisting of foliar application of the following five doses of Si: 0; 0.84; 1.68; 2.52; and 3.36 g L-1 of Si as potassium and sodium silicate, with five replications. We measured the plant height, leaf area, Si contents and accumulation in the plants, gas exchanges (stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthesis net), dry matter production, Si uptake and transport efficiency by plants and its economic efficiency. The Si content enhanced and accumulated in all parts of millet plants, reaching values between 2.5 and 3.3 g L-1. There were linear increases of approximately 9 and 27% in height and leaf area of millet plants to 3.36 g L-1 of Si. Stomatal conductance and transpiration reached maximum values representing an increase of 44.60 and 101.30%, respectively. The concentration of 3.36 g L-1 of Si increased photosynthesis by 76% and shoot dry matter production by 15%, when compared to the control. Si application is economically viable. The operational costs of application are suppressed, reaching to about US $ 45.32 ha-1 with the application of 2.52 g L-1 of Si.

Impact of Foliar Application of Various Forms of Silicon on the Chemical Composition of Sugar Beet Plants

The effect of marine calcite, a mixture of ortho- and polysilicic acid as well as orthosilicic acid applied as a foliar spray on the chemical composition of sugar beet leaves in the critical phase of nutrient supply (beginning of July) but also leaves and roots during harvest time in 2015–2016, was studied. The content of silicon in the leaves ranged from 1.24 to 2.36 g kg−1 d.m. at the beginning of July, 3.85–5.34 g kg−1 d.m. during harvest and 2.91–4.20 g kg−1 d.m. in the roots. The foliar application of silicon caused a significant increase in the content of magnesium and calcium in leaves (in July) as compared to the control. The sugar beet consumes approx. 75 kg Si ha−1, which is almost 3.5 times more than P and 20% more than Mg thus proving its importance for its species. About 70% of the silicon taken up by sugar beet is stored in roots and 30% in leaves. The pure sugar yield is most favorably influenced by two- and threefold foliar application of the product containing silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid stabilized with choline, and a threefold mixture of ortho- and polysilicic acid. The increase in the pure sugar yield is not the result of a change in the chemical composition of sugar beet plants, but their more efficient functioning after foliar application of silicon under stress conditions caused by water shortage.

Foliar Application of Silicon Enhances Growth, Flower Yield, Quality and Postharvest Life of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) under Saline Conditions by Improving Antioxidant Defense Mechanism

Tuberose is native to Mexico and then reached Europe and spread other parts of the world. In Pakistan, tuberose stalks come in the market during late summer and autumn when only few flowers are available. However, yield and quality of flowers stalks is low. Several abiotic factors are involved in poor production of tuberose. Among abiotic stresses, salt stress greatly hampers growth of plants ultimately affecting flower yield, quality and postharvest life of tuberose. Current study aimed at foliar application of silicon (control, 50, 100 and 150 mg L−1) to mitigate adverse effects of salt stress (control, 50 and 100 mM NaCl) in tuberose plants during the years 2018 & 2019. Salinity level of 100 mM NaCl significantly decreased the plant height, number of leaves per plant, root length, stalk length, spike length, floret number/ spike, floret length, floret fresh weight, bulb fresh weight and vase life and these traits increased under foliar application of silicon (150 mg L−1). SOD, POD, CAT, GR and APX activities increased under salinity (100 mM NaCl) and foliar application of silicon (150 mg L−1) as compared to other studied treatments. The significant increase of total soluble protein and proline content was recorded under 100 mM NaCl than control. Foliar spray of silicon (50, 100 and 150 mg L−1) reduced total soluble protein and proline content. Chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’ and carotenoids were reduced under 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Current study evaluated that silicon had good potential to alleviate salt stress in tuberose by maintaining metabolic capacities and physiological activities.

Response of Some Maize Hybrids to Foliar Application of Silicon Under Soil Affected by Salinity

Response of Some Maize Hybrids to Foliar Application of Silicon Under Soil Affected by Salinity

Effect of foliar application of a fertilizer containing silicon and calcium on the yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots

In the experiment carried out in Sahryń village (50°40′42″N, 23°47′35″E) in 2019–2020, the impact of threefold foliar application of Si and Ca-containing fertilizer, fourfold application of fungicides and the combination of both of these combinations on the yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots in conditions of strong infection pressure of Cercospora beticola Sacc. The effects were compared to the control. Triple foliar application of the fertilizer had a beneficial effect on the root, biological and pure yield of sugar. The biological and pure yield of sugar increased in the following sequence: control; 3x foliar application of the product with Si + Ca; 4x fungicide treatments; 3x foliar application of the product with Si + Ca + 4x fungicide treatments. A foliar application of silicon and calcium products can help implement a “field to fork” strategy.

Impact of foliar application of silicon on salinity tolerance of two olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars

Salt stress is a major limiting factor for the growth and productivity of plants worldwide. This factorial experiment within a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out to study the influence of foliar spray with three levels of silicon (K2SiO3) (0, 100, and 200 mg. L−1) on the effect of four concentrations of water salinity (1.6, 3, 6, and 9 dS/m−1) in two olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars (bashiki and Shami). Most of the seedling cultivars were one-year-old. The results showed that the Bashiki cultivars were significantly better than Shami by giving the best values for the height of the seedlings, leaves number, and percentage of the mineral element. It was observed that treatment with 9 dS/m−1 is negatively influenced in the two varieties in vegetative properties and the percentage of N, P, K but an increase of sodium, chloride, and proline in leaves. Moreover, treatment of silicon (100 mg L−1) reduced the salinity effects on the olive seedlings. The results of the interaction between the study factors showed that plants treated with the combination of (1.6 dS/m−1+ silicon (100 mg L−1)) led to an increase in all studied trait. We found considerable differences between the two cultivars. silicon treatments can reduce the reverse effects of salinity on olive cultivars.

Effect of Silicon Fertilization on Agro-Morphological Traits of Grand Naine Banana Grown in Typic Ustifluvent Soil

Aims: Banana is the fifth largest agricultural commodity in the world trade after cereals, sugar, coffee and cocoa and second largest fruit crop in the world. The main objective of the study is to know the performance of banana to silicon fertilization grown in typic ustifluvent soil.
 Study Design: The experiment was conducted in randomized block design. The test crop banana var Grand Naine.
 Place and Duration of Study: Rajagopalapuram village under Kuttallam taluk, Tamilnadu, India
 Between July to October 2016
 Methodology: The experiment consisted of ten treatments viz., T1-NPK (RDF), T2-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)- 0.25%,T3-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)-0.50%,T4-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)-1.00%,T5-NPK+Potassium silicate (FS)-0.25%,T6 -NPK+ Potassium silicate (FS)-0.50%,T7­-NPK+ Potassium silicate (FS)-1.00%,T8-NPK+Potassium silicate (SA)-50kgha-1,T9-NPK + Potassium silicate (SA)-100 kg ha-1 and T10 -NPK + Potassium silicate (SA)-150 kg ha-1. T2 to T4 foliar spray was done at 3rd and 5th month and from T5 toT7, foliar spray was done at 3rd, 5th and 7th month. Growth, yield parameters and banana yield were recorded.
 Results: The outcome was that soil application of silicon recorded higher growth and yield compared to foliar application. Pseudo stem height, Pseudo stem girth, LAI, chlorophyll content, sucker production and leaf dry matter weight, fruit characters viz., bunch weight and length, number of hands/ bunches, number of fingers / hands, total number of fingers/ bunches, finger weight, length and girth were highest with soil application of 50 kg Si ha-1. Similarly, foliar application of silicon at 1% applied at 3rd and 5th recorded the highest morphological and fruit characters compared to 0.25 and 0.5% Si. The highest fruit yield ((96.0 t ha-1) was noticed with 50 kg Si ha-1 followed by foliar spray of 1% Si applied at 3rd and 5th month (92.7 t ha-1).
 Conclusion: It is concluded that soil application of 50 kg Si ha-1 through potassium silicate is best followed by foliar spray of 1.0% Si for realizing higher banana productivity.

Evaluation of Silicon and irrigation on three Safflower cultivars

This study was performed to evaluation of interaction of silicon application and irrigation on agronomic and physiologic traits of safflower at 2018 and 2019. The experiment was conducted as a split plot factorial based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The irrigation was main factor (0, 2 and 4 times during growth) and the sub-factor were silicon foliar application (at three levels: 0, 1 and 2 mM) and three safflower cultivars (Goldasht, Padideh and Golmehr). The studied traits were: number of seeds per boll and 1000-grain weight, number and weight of boll, number of lateral branches and branch diameter, plant weight and total plant weight, floret yield, grain yield, chlorophyll a and b, proline and antioxidant enzymes. According to results, treatments had significant effects on studied traits at 5 or 1% statistically level. 2 and 3 times irrigation led to 7 and 24% the increasing of seed yield in compare to control, respectively. It was obtained that 1 and 2mM silicon led to 25 and 15% the increase of seed yield in compare to control. Interaction between treatments showed that the highest seed yield (500g per m2) was observed by Goldasht cultivar under 4-time irrigation and 2mM silicon. Therefore, it can be suggested that Goldasht with 2 mM silicon be used to reduce the effects of dehydration.

Foliar application of silicon improves growth of soybean by enhancing carbon metabolism under shading conditions

An experiment was set up to investigate physiological responses of soybeans to silicon (Si) under normal light and shade conditions. Two soybean varieties, Nandou 12 (shade resistant), and Nan 032–4 (shade susceptible), were tested. Our results revealed that under shading, the net assimilation rate and the plant growth were significantly reduced. However, foliar application of Si under normal light and shading significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and decreased intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci). The net photosynthetic rate of Nandou 12 under normal light and shading increased by 46.4% and 33.3% respectively with Si treatment (200 mg/kg) compared to controls. Si application also enhanced chlorophyll content, soluble sugars, fresh weight, root length, root surface area, root volume, root-shoot ratio, and root dry weight under both conditions. Si application significantly increased the accumulation of some carbohydrates such as soluble sugar and sucrose in stems and leaves ensuring better stem strength under both conditions. Si application significantly increased the yield by increasing the number of effective pods per plant, the number of beans per plant and the weight of beans per plant. After Si treatment, the yield increased 24.5% under mono-cropping, and 17.41% under intercropping. Thus, Si is very effective in alleviating the stress effects of shading in intercropped soybeans by increasing the photosynthetic efficiency and lodging resistance.

Productivity of rice as influenced by soil and foliar application of silicon

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre, GKVK campus, Bengaluru-65, Karnataka during 2019-20 to study the effect of foliar application of zinc and boron from different sources on growth, yield and quality of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Arka Sahan. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with twelve treatments replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of foliar application of 0.5% Zinc sulphate, 0.5% Zinc chloride, 0.5% Zinc oxide, 0.3% Boric acid and 0.3% Borax either alone or in combination, along with water spray as control. Each treatment was imposed thrice to the existing custard apple trees, one at the time of flowering, second at fruit set stage and third at pre-harvest stage. The results revealed that foliar application of 0.5% Zinc sulphate plus 0.3% borax significantly enhanced the growth attributes of custard apple in terms of shoot length (50.60 cm), number of leaves per branch (130.72) and leaf area (130.35 cm2) along with improved yield parameters like number of flowers per tree (564.17), percentage of fruit set (93.33), number of fruits per tree (22.83) and fruit yield per tree (11.09 kg). The same treatment combination yielded the fruits having superior physical quality in terms of highest fruit diameter (9.65 cm), fruit volume (174.59 mL), fruit weight (485.98 g) and pulp weight (353.64 g). The quality parameters of fruit such as reducing sugars (22.03%), total sugars (23.85%), TSS (32.25 0Brix) and ascorbic acid (38.61%) contents of fruit significantly improved along with minimum physiological weight loss during keeping time of 1st day (1.00 %), 3rd day (3.42 %), 5th day (6.27 %) and 7th day (11.01 %) after ripening were recorded with the same treatment combination. Among different treatments, the combined foliar application of 0.5% Zinc sulphate and 0.3% Borax showed best results with regard to growth, yield and quality of custard apple cv. Arka Sahan.

Effect of Silicon Foliar Application and Sowing Dates on Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Productivity under New Valley Conditions –Egypt.

Field experiments were conducted at the experimental station farm ofDesert Research Center (D.R.C.) at EL-Kharga Oasis, New Valley Governorate, during2018/ 2019 and 2019/ 2020 growing seasons, to study the effect of sowing dates and silicon foliar application on productivity of faba bean under New Valley conditions.Results revealed that number of pods plant-1, seed yield plant-1, 100 seed weight, harvest index, shelling and seed yield were higher with planting on 15th Oct in both seasons. While, plant height, pod length, straw yield, WUE and seed carbohydrates content were higher with planting on 1st Oct in both seasons. Raising silicon foliar application levels up to 300 ppm led to a significant increase in all studied parameters except, pod length in both seasons. The interaction between sowing dates and silicon foliar application levels had significant effects on all studied characters except, pod length. The highest values of yield and its components were performed when faba bean had sown on 15th Oct with spraying of 300 ppm silicon in the form potassium silicate to obtain the highest possible productivity under New Valley conditions.