Response of maize (Zea mays L.) to various modes and levels of silicon application
2001
Nieuwenhuis, P. (Pathum Thani Rice Research Center, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani 12110 (Thailand)) Lales, J.S.
Silicon is the second most abundant element in the soil. Crops such as rice, barley, cucumber, wheat, sorghum and sugarcane absorb silicon in greater amounts than nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and yet silicon is not recognized as a major plant nutrient. Beneficial effects on plants are obsserved with the interaction of silicon with the other elements (e.g., manganese and aluminum). It is affected by both external or environmental factors and biotic factors (insect, microorganisms, weeds). Maize or corn is sensitive to silicon. Little information is known about the response of maize to silicon, hence, this study was conducted. Root and shoot growth was reduced at different plant heights with the application of 200-400 ppm silicon dioxide (SiO2) applied as sodium metasilicate pentahydrate (Na2SiO3.5H2O) in the root system. Photosynthesis was quite low despite the high stomatal conductance or the entry of carbon dioxide (CO2) through the stomates into the plant and high transpiration rate, compared with the control (untreated plants). Application of 200 ppm SiO2 to the leaves increased leaf area and stalk diameter but doubling the amount of silicon resulted in small leaf area and thinner stem. With silicon applied through the nutrient solution, plants showed typical symptoms of P deficiency (purpling of the midrib). With silicon sprayed on the leaves, plants did not exhibit such symptoms
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