Nano-silicon and Sodium Reduce Damage from Low Potassium in Chicory

Jenn Hoskins
23rd July, 2024

Nano-silicon and Sodium Reduce Damage from Low Potassium in Chicory

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Universidade Estadual Paulista studied the effects of sodium (Na) and nano-silicon (Si) on chicory under potassium (K) deficiency
  • Adding nano-Si and Na to K-deficient chicory increased K accumulation by 60% and 50%, respectively, and improved K use efficiency by 79% and 62%
  • Nano-Si reduced electrolyte leakage by 41% in K-deficient chicory, indicating better cell membrane stability and overall plant health
Chicory is a highly nutritious food, and understanding how to optimize its growth under varying nutrient conditions is vital for improving agricultural practices. Researchers from Universidade Estadual Paulista aimed to evaluate the effects of sodium (Na) and nano-silicon (Si) on chicory, especially under conditions of potassium (K) deficiency[1]. This research is significant because it addresses how to mitigate nutritional disorders in plants, which can be crucial for maintaining crop yields and quality. Potassium is an essential nutrient for plants, playing a critical role in various physiological processes, including photosynthesis and water regulation. However, K deficiency can severely impact plant growth and productivity[2]. Previous studies have shown that Na can partially substitute for K in some plants, alleviating the symptoms of K deficiency[2]. Additionally, silicon has been recognized for its role in enhancing plant resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses[3]. This study builds on these findings by exploring the combined effects of Na and nano-Si on chicory under different K conditions. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with six treatments: K sufficiency, K sufficiency with Na, K sufficiency with Si, K deficiency, K deficiency with Na, and K deficiency with Si. Each treatment had six replications. The researchers evaluated various growth parameters, including plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and plant biomass. They also measured the contents of K and Si in the above-ground parts of the plants, K utilization efficiency, and the accumulation of K, Na, and Si. Additionally, they assessed the efficiency of photosystem II, photosynthetic pigments, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and leaf firmness index. The results showed that supplying nano-Si and Na to K-deficient chicory increased K accumulation by 60% and 50%, respectively, and K use efficiency by 79% and 62%, compared to plants without these elements. Nano-Si also reduced electrolyte leakage by 41% compared to Na in K-deficient chicory. This reduction in electrolyte leakage indicates improved cell membrane stability, which is crucial for maintaining cellular functions under stress conditions[4]. However, when Na was added to a nutrient solution with sufficient K, the K use efficiency decreased by 48%, and K accumulation decreased by 20% compared to sufficient K without Na. Additionally, the photosynthetic pigments, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids were reduced by 5% and 10%, respectively. These findings suggest that while Na can mitigate K deficiency, its presence in K-sufficient conditions can negatively affect certain physiological aspects of chicory. The study highlights the potential of using Na and nano-Si to improve cultivation systems with low K supply. By mitigating the damage caused by K deficiency, these elements can help maintain chicory's metabolic functions and overall health. The findings also underscore the importance of carefully managing nutrient solutions to avoid adverse effects when K is sufficient. This research ties together previous findings on the roles of Na and Si in plant nutrition and stress resistance[2][3]. It expands on the understanding of how these elements can be used to optimize plant growth under nutrient limitations. The study's insights into the specific impacts on chicory provide valuable information for developing more resilient and efficient agricultural practices. In conclusion, the research conducted by Universidade Estadual Paulista offers promising strategies for enhancing chicory cultivation under K-deficient conditions. The use of Na and nano-Si can significantly improve K accumulation and utilization, reduce cellular damage, and support overall plant health. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of plant nutrition and stress management, paving the way for more sustainable and productive agricultural systems.

AgricultureBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Nano-silicon and sodium mitigate damage by potassium deficiency in chicory.

Published 22nd July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67875-0

Related Studies

2) Na improves the growth of K-deficient but not K-sufficient kale.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131017

3) Silicon (Si): Review and future prospects on the action mechanisms in alleviating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.09.063

4) Reinforcing the bulwark: unravelling the efficient applications of plant phenolics and tannins against environmental stresses.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09094


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙