Effect of soluble silica fertiliser on total sugar, protein, starch content along with amylase and cellulase activity in banana

Abstract

Fertilisers have become an important factor used by farmers to increase yield and improve product quality. Earth’s crust carries a large amount of elemental silicon. However, silicon is not considered an essential element for plant growth therefore is not included in fertilisers. Silicon has shown to enhance the growth and productivity of various crops. The present study aimed to explore the potential of soluble silica in improving the biochemical parameters of banana (Grand naine variety). The field experiment was conducted at Ropni Vasaad village, Burhanpur District of Madhya Pradesh from August 2017 to September 2018. Silica was supplied as potassium silicate in the liquid form under the trade name AgriboosterTM. Doses were administered at the interval of one month starting from planting the tissue culture explants till harvesting the final crop. Eight treatments were designed which included three different concentration of soluble silica applied alone and with combination with compound fertilisers. Control was without any treatment. A significant increase in fresh and dry weight was observed with all the treatments. All the combinations of soluble silica resulted in significant increase in starch and total sugar content. The protein content showed significant increase with treatments consisting of soluble silica and compound fertiliser. Cellulase and amylase activity declined on treatment with soluble silica. The present study reveals that if soluble silica is either applied alone or with compound fertiliser, it can enhance the biochemical parameters and can indirectly delay ripening of banana by altering activity of cellulase and amylase.