Response of spring wheat grown in drought stress to foliar and soil silicon application

Abstract

The aim of study was the evaluation of silicon (Si) foliar and soil application effect on mitigation of drought stress in spring wheat. Twoyears study was performed in greenhouse with the use of vases with a capacity of 10 kg of soil. Silicon was used as a foliar application at the concentration of 6 mM Si/l and as soil application before plant sowing at doses 200 and 400 mg Si/kg, in the form of Na2SiO3. At the growth stage of tillering, drought stress was introduced and soil moisture was kept at 30% PPW. Silicon application positively affected yield and biochemical parameters of plants growing under water stress. Soil application was more efficient than foliar one in reducing of yield decrease and negative impact of water deficit on plants. Silicon uptake from soil by wheat was greater than from foliar application.