Agronomic response of cauliflower to the addition of silicon to the soil under water deficit

Abstract

Water deficit in cauliflower cultivation may impair its development and yield. This study aimed to analyze the agronomic performance of cauliflower grown in a protected environment, under different water conditions and silicon (Si) doses. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme, with three levels of water replacement [40, 70 and 100 % of the evapotranspiration (ETc)] and four Si doses (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1), with four replications. Leaf (SPAD index, area, fresh and dry weight), stem (diameter, height, fresh and dry weight) and inflorescence (diameter, fresh weight, dry weight, water content and commercial classification) characteristics were evaluated. The replacement of 40 % of the ETc showed lower results for the SPAD index in the phases II and III, leaf area, leaf and stem fresh weight and inflorescence diameter. The 70 % replacement cultivation showed a yield similar to that of the 100 % of the ETc. The use of Si was beneficial for the productive performance of the cauliflower at all levels of water replacement.

KEYWORDS: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, water stress, irrigation management.