Beneficial effects of foliar application of silicon compounds and potassium sulfate on cell membrane stability, biochemical traits, and tuber yield of potato under salinity stress

Since potato plants are susceptible to salinity, it is essential to use strategies such as the application of potent anti-stress compounds such as potassium and silicon. Salinity levels of 0.3 (non-stress), 5, 8 and 12 dS.m-1 were assigned to main plots, and foliar application of anti-stress compounds including potassium sulfate, sodium silicate nanoparticles, and silicon were assigned to subplots. Salinity stress increased ionic leakage and leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The lowest leaf MDA content was observed at 5 and 12 dS.m-1 salinity levels in silicon and sodium nano-silicate applications, which showed a 56% and 43% decrease, respectively, compared to non-stress conditions. Application of silicon compounds under saline conditions increased leaf soluble carbohydrates and proline content compared to the control plants. Salinity increased the Na to K ratio, but the application of silicon reduced this ratio more than twice compared to non-stress conditions. The results showed a positive effect of sodium silicate nanoparticles on tuber yield at salinity stress of 5 dS.m-1. It seems that the use of silicon compounds, especially its nanoparticles, under salinity stress would be an effective way to reduce the effects of salinity.

Keywords:

Ionic Leakage , Malondialdehyde , Sodium Nanosilicate , Na:K ratio.