Foliar applied silicon nanoparticles improved fruit yield, biochemical attributes, and leaf minerals of different cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars

Abstract

Abstract Silicon (Si) nanoparticles has an eminent role in improving plant yield through improving yield. The present study was conducted to find the effect of Si NPs on plant yield, biochemical attributes and minerals of different cucumber cultivars. The greenhouse experiment with foliar application of Si NPs (100, 200, and 300 mg L− 1) was carried out on cucumber cultivars (Emilie, Mirsoltan, Mitio, and Viola). The application of Si NPs at 300 mg L− 1 led to the highest fruit yield, with a 17% increase in fruit production compared to the control. Emilie and Si NPs at 100 mg L− 1 and Mito at 300 mg L− 1 produced different fruit firmnesses by 31%. Plants experiencing Si NPs at a 300 mg L− 1 had the greatest Chl a + b. Compared to the other cultivars, Mito had a greater fruit yield and Chl content. Si NPs increased TSS by 11% while lowering TA by 24% when compared to the control at 300 mg L− 1. Foliar application of Si NPs reduced the value of TSS/TA. By advancing Si NPs, leaf Si increased. The largest value of K was reached in the Mito cultivar with Si NPs at 200 mg L− 1, with a 22% increase in comparison to the control, indicating that Si NPs considerably boosted the K content. Si NPs at 200 mg L− 1 significantly increased leaf N and P in the Mito cultivar by 16 and 50%, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that TA had a strong negative connection with all cucumber plant characteristics when Si NPs were present. By using agglomerative hierarchy clustering (AHC), Emilie and Mito were located in two separate clusters, whilst Viola and Mirsoltan were grouped together in one. In conclusion, Si NPs at 200–300 mg L− 1 enhanced fruit yield, and Mito showed the highest yield when compared to other cultivars.