Silicon-induced increase in chlorophyll is modulated by the leaf water potential in two water-deficient tomato cultivars

70Citations
Citations of this article
38Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

This study aims to explain the effects of silicon on chlorophyll and to measure gas exchange and carbohydrate levels in two Lycopersicon esculentum cultivars that are exposed to drought. The experimental design used in this study was a randomised combination of five different water and silicon conditions (control, water deficit + 0.00 μmol Si, water deficit + 0.25 μmol Si, water deficit + 1.00 μmol Si, and water deficit + 1.75 μmol Si) applied to the two cultivars (Super Marmante and Santa Cruz). Parameters measured were gas exchanges, chlorophylls, and total soluble carbohydrates. Silicon at concentrations of 0.25, 1.00, and 1.75 μcool induced a gradual increase in the total chlorophyll levels. A correlation analysis revealed a linear, positive interaction between the leaf water potential and the total chlorophyll (r = 0.71; P < 0.05). This study confirmed the hypothesis that silicon has a beneficial effect with regard to chlorophyll. Under water-deficient conditions, both cultivars showed an increase in chlorophyll a when treated with silicon in addition to changes in the total chlorophyll levels. These results were supported by the change in leaf water potential. In addition, a reduction of the effects of water restriction was also observed in the transpiration rate, the stomatal conductance and in the levels of total carbohydrates.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Silva, O. N., Lobato, A. K. S., Ávila, F. W., Costa, R. C. L., Oliveira Neto, C. F., Santos Filho, B. G., … Andrade, I. P. (2012). Silicon-induced increase in chlorophyll is modulated by the leaf water potential in two water-deficient tomato cultivars. Plant, Soil and Environment, 58(11), 481–486. https://doi.org/10.17221/213/2012-pse

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free