Morpho-physiological changes in Billbergia zebrina due to the use of silicates in vitro

Abstract

The use of silicon in Billbergia zebrina cultivation in vitro is an alternative for optimizing micropropagation of this important ornamental plant species. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the growth and anatomical and physiological alterations in Billbergia zebrina (Herbert) Lindley plants as a function of different sources and concentrations of silicon during in vitro cultivation and acclimatization. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a double factorial arrangement and an additional control treatment (2 x 3 + 1). The first factor was relative to calcium silicate and sodium silicate added to the Murashige & Skoog culture medium; the second factor was related to its concentrations, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L-1. After 100 days, their growth, anatomical characteristics, level of silicon and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Growth characteristics were assessed after 60 days of acclimatization period. Plants absorbed more sodium silicate than calcium silicate. This source also stressed the plants impairing their growth, but the highest silicon absorption at 1 mg L-1 attenuated the stressful conditions. The supplementation of the culture medium with calcium silicate led to improved growth, anatomical, and physiological characteristics, which benefited the development of more resistant seedlings with better performance during acclimatization.

Silicon in the Anatomy and Physiology of Banana Plant Leaves Under Temporary Immersion Bioreactors

“…Several studies have also found similar changes in the anatomical characteristics of leaves due to the application of calcium silicate in vitro, including orchids (Soares et al, 2012), strawberry (Braga et al, 2009) and banana (Asmar et al, 2013(Asmar et al, , 2015. Martins et al (2018) observed that the addition of sodium silicate and calcium silicate provided greater thickening of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis, respectively, inbromeliad leaves grown in vitro. However, negative effects of sodium silicate were observed in anthurium (Dias et al, 2014).The primary function of the epidermis is as a covering, and the arrangement of the cells complicates the action of mechanical shock and penetration of pathogens, in addition to restricting the loss of water (Castro et al, 2009).…”

Silício no desenvolvimento in vitro de Fisális

“…Sivanesan e Park (2014) apontam que o silício é benéfico para as plântulas durante a cultura in vitro, e também pode melhorar a sua produtividade. Além disso, este nutriente pode minimizar vários tipos de estresse, incluindo desequilíbrio nutricional (MARTINS et al, 2018). Outro fator que influencia na resposta ao silício é a espécie.…”