Silicon fertilization counteracts salinity-induced damages associated with changes in physio-biochemical modulations in spinach

Abstract

Plant growth and productivity are limited by the severe impact of salt stress on the fundamental physiological processes. Silicon (Si) supplementation is one of the promising techniques to improve the resilience of plants under salt stress. This study deals with the response of exogenous Si applications (0, 2, 4, and 6 mM) on growth, gaseous exchange, ion homeostasis and antioxidant enzyme activities in spinach grown under saline conditions (150 mM NaCl). Salinity stress markedly reduced the growth, physiological, biochemical, water availability, photosynthesis, enzymatic antioxidants, and ionic status in spinach leaves. Salt stress significantly enhanced leaf Na+ contents in spinach plants. Supplementary foliar application of Si (4 mM) alleviated salt toxicity, by modulating the physiological and photosynthetic attributes and decreasing electrolyte leakage, and activities of SOD, POD and CAT. Moreover, Si-induced mitigation of salt stress was due to the depreciation in Na+/K+ ratio, Na+ ion uptake at the surface of spinach roots, and translocation in plant tissues, thereby reducing the Na+ ion accumulation. Foliar applied Si (4 mM) ameliorates ionic toxicity by decreasing Na+ uptake. Overall, the results illustrate that foliar applied Si induced resistance against salinity stress in spinach by regulating the physiology, antioxidant metabolism, and ionic homeostasis. We advocate that exogenous Si supplementation is a practical approach that will allow spinach plants to recover from salt toxicity.

Silicon-mediated improvement of biomass yield and physio-biochemical attributes in heat-stressed spinach (

“…In the present study, enhanced proline content was observed under heat stress compared with control temperatures. Increased accumulation of proline due to heat stress has been reported by other researchers, who concluded that proline helps to stabilise membranes, subcellular structures and cellular redox potential by destroying the radicals (Hussain et al 2018;Wang et al 2018;Naz et al 2022). Liu et al (2011) observed a significant increase in starch content under heat-shock treatment >30°C.…”

“…The application of Si alleviated heat stress significantly by improving the water status of spinach plants. Naz et al (2022) found that, at a balanced Si concentration, RWC was almost constant under abiotic stress, which was probably due to an advanced ability for osmotic adjustment. Moreover, Si application helps in removing restrictions and improves turgor pressure in the cells to maintain water balance.…”

“…1). After 15 days of heat stress, foliar application of Si (0, 2, 4, 6 mmol L −1 ) in the form of potassium silicate (K 2 SiO 3 ) salt in distilled water was applied, using 500 mL of the solution in each of two sprays at a 10-day interval (Naz et al 2022). After 25 days of exposure to Si (65 DAS), data for morphological, biochemical and physiological attributes were recorded.…”

“…In terms of plant growth, Si an essential nutrient involved in various key functions (i.e. membrane stability, cell wall stabilisation, enhancement of key enzyme activities and phytohormones interaction) under abiotic stress (Naz et al 2022;Shabbir et al 2022).…”

Retraction: Silicon fertilization counteracts salinity-induced damages associated with changes in physio-biochemical modulations in spinach

“…The PLOS ONE Editors retract this article [ 1 ] because it was identified as one of a series of submissions for which we have concerns about authorship, competing interests, and peer review. We regret that the issues were not addressed prior to the article’s publication.…”