Silicon as a salt stress mitigator in yellow passion fruit seedlings

Abstract

In the Brazilian semi-arid region, the production of passion fruit seedlings often faces challenges such as irrigation with saline water. However, silicate fertilization stands out as an effective solution for mitigating the salinity effects. This study aimed to evaluate the use of silicon as a salt stress mitigator in yellow passion fruit seedlings, under greenhouse conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six replications, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, referring to five silicon doses (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 g plant-1) and two electrical conductivity levels of the irrigation water (1.2 and 3.5 dS m-1). Variables related to plant growth, biomass and physiology were analyzed. Silicon doses between 0.50 and 0.60 g plant-1 provided the best results for the passion fruit seedlings’ growth, water status and physiology, both under lower (1.2 dS m-1) and higher (3.5 dS m-1) salinity conditions. The silicon strengthened the plants and improved water absorption, mitigating the negative effects of salinity on the yellow passion fruit.

KEYWORDS: Passiflora edulis Sims., salinity, silicate fertilization.