Growth of sweet pepper plants submitted to water tensions in soil and potassium silicate doses

Abstract

Water stress compromises plant growth. Resistance inducers, such as potassium silicate (K2SiO3), can reduce negative effects of this stress on Solanaceae, Capsicum annuum. Plant height, stem diameter and leaf area may indicate the efficiency of potassium silicate foliarsprayagainst water stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of sweet pepper plants under water stress and K2SiO3 doses. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks in a split-plot scheme in space. The treatments consisted of four soil water stresses: 15 kPa (field capacity), 25 (intermediate value), 35 and 45 kPa (water stress) and three doses of potassium silicate (0, 0.4 and 0.8 L 100 L-1 water), acting as resistance inducers to water stress. The resistance inducer maintained greater heights of the sweet pepper plants, under water stress (35 and 45 kPa) at the initial stage [(20 days after transplanting (DAT)]. Smaller plant diameters were observed at 80 and 100 DAT at 35 and 45 kPa. Sprays using K2SiO3 maintained sweet pepper leaf area with higher values, even under stress condition. The soil water tension from 35 kPa limited, in general, the plant growth. Growth responses in Capsicum annuum to K2SiO3, via foliar spraying, varied according to plant age, as well as the growth parameter considered in this experiment.

Productivity and Post-Harvest Fungal Resistance of Hot Pepper as Affected by Potassium Silicate, Clove Extract Foliar Spray and Nitrogen Application

“…Therefore, silicon is considered an antitranspirant and recommended as foliar spray in hot and dry environments, like the current study. In their study on the effect of silicon application on chili pepper plants, Sudradjat et al [ 41 ] reported a significant increase in leaf length with silicon application, while similar to the current study, Pereira et al [ 42 ] concluded that silicon application increased the leaf area, which was significantly reflected in higher photosynthesis rates, thus, uplifting the plant’s vegetative growth. The improved photosynthesis with the application of PS, in the current study, was probably the main driving force behind the increased chlorophyll content.…”

Potassium silicate and vinasse enhance biometric characteristics of perennial sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) under greenhouse conditions

“…Prior research has reported significant enhancements in the fresh and dry biomass of pepper fruits subjected to vinasse 67 . Spraying sweet pepper plants with PS was found to maintain higher leaf areas 68 . This enhancement was attributed to elevated levels of chlorophyll, overall free amino acids, and TSS in pepper leaves and stems due to Si, subsequently stimulating increased photosynthetic rates through improved gas exchange within leaves and alterations in basic chemical processes within plant cells, thereby fostering biomass increase 69 .…”

Enhancing Biometric Characters of Perennial Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Treated by Potassium Silicate and Vinasse Grown under Greenhouse Conditions

“…Prior research has reported signi cant enhancements in the fresh and dry biomass of pepper fruits subjected to vinasse [49]. Spraying sweet pepper plants with PS was found to maintain higher leaf areas [50]. Additionally, tobacco exhibited robust growth with various vinasse dosages, resulting in signi cantly improved growth indicators compared to a control group [51].…”