Assessment Effect of Silicon on Physiological and Biochemical Traits of Corn (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) Under Salinity Stress Conditions

Abstract

<strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Silicon is a suitable solution to alleviate salinity stress and improve crop production.<br /> <strong>OBJECTIVES:</strong> Investigation physiological and biochemical traits of Single Cross 704 corn affected foliar application of silicon (from a Sodium silicate source) under salinity stress.<br /> <strong>METHODS:</strong> This research was carried out according split plot experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The main factor included salinity at three level (a₁: control or 0.34 ds.m^-1, a₂: 4 ds.m^-1, a₃: 8 ds.m^-1) and foliar application of silicon (from a Sodium silicate source) belonged to subplot at three level (b₁: control or non-spraying, b₂: 1 mM b₃: 2 mM silicon).<br /> <strong>RESULT:</strong> Salinity stress reduced leaf dry weight, plant dry weight, root dry weight, and decreased stem height. It also increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline and sodium, and reduced potassium concentration in the plant. Foliar application of Silicon improved the growth traits, such that foliar application of 2 mM silicon brought about the highest dry weight of leaves and plants (21.73 and 120.85 gr). Foliar application of 1 and 2 mM silicone reduced MDA concentration by 12.93% and 13.7% at 8 ds.m^-1 salinity compared to the control. The foliar application of silicon (1 and 2 mM) also led to 13.78 and 17.79% reduction in amount of proline at control salinity level and 28.51% and 21.08% reduction of proline levels at 8 ds.m^-1 salinity levels compared to the control. Application of 1 and 2 mM silicon led to reduction of the leaf sodium concentration and increased Leaf potassium concentration at all salinity levels compared to the control. So the consumption of silicon reduced the effects of salt stress on corn.<br /> <strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Finally according result of this research foliar application of silicone in amount of 2 mM can be recommended.