Foliar application of Silicon and Salicylic acid improves growth, leaf pigments and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under nutrient deficient sandy soil

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The individual benefits of Salicylic acid (SA) and Silicon (Si) on plant growth have been studied independently but there is limited research exploring the interactive effects of SA and Si on plant growth. Therefore, the objective of this current study is to evaluate the combined impact of SA and Si on the growth, chlorophyll content, and yield of maize. Method The effect of foliar application of Si and SA was estimated in maize in the year 2021–2022. Treatments were of two levels of varieties i.e., V1:PMH13 and V2:TA5084 and four levels of foliar application of Si and SA along with RDF i.e., T1:RDF (Control), T2:RDF + Salicylic acid (150ppm), T3:RDF + Silicon (40ppm) and T4:RDF + Salicylic acid (150ppm) + Silicon (40ppm) replicated thrice laying out in a randomized block design with a factorial arrangement (FRBD). Results T4recorded higher chlorophyll content (15.64 mg g− 1 FW) and growth in seedling tray experiment. It also had the highest plant height, leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), and SPAD values in field trial. This resulted in a significant increase in grain yield (39.97%) compared to T1. Additionally, T3 and T4, which received silicon foliar application, had the least insect infestation during early crop stages compared to T1. Conclusion The results showed that application of Si would have increased synthesis of structural components in plant cells and enhanced resistance to environmental stresses and SA induced System Acquired Resistance (SAR) and promoted nutrient uptake. The results were further verified by principal component analysis (PCA).