Effect of exogenous silicon addition on seed germination and seedling growth of durum wheat (Triticum Durum Desf.) varieties under water stress conditions

In the soil, Silicon is the second most abundant element. It has positive impacts on plant growth under biotic and abiotic stress. Thus, in this experiment, the effect exogenous silicon supply (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/l of... [ view full abstract ]

In the soil, Silicon is the second most abundant element. It has positive impacts on plant growth under biotic and abiotic stress. Thus, in this experiment, the effect exogenous silicon supply (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/l of sodium silicate) on seed germination and seedling growth under different level of water stress conditions induced by PEG 8000 treatments (0, 100 and 200 g/l) was studied in eleven durum wheat varieties based on completely randomized design with three replications. Results showed that exogenous silicon and PEG treatments had highly significant (p<0.001) effects in all measured traits. PEG treatments decrease germination rate (GR), germination energy (GE), vigor index (VI) and seedling length (SL). However, silicon addition caused a marked enhance: highest values of GR (57.98 %), GE (55.05 %) VI (1306.14), SL (23 cm obtained under the highest silicon concentration (20 mg/l). In conclusion, exogenous silicon supply improves durum wheat seed germination and plant growth under drought stress