Determination of the effects of nano silicon on drought stress in durum wheat by physiological and biochemical parameters

This study investigated the effects of nano-silicon (Nano-Si) produced under laboratory conditions and sodium silicate (Na-Si) on the yield and physiological and enzymatic properties of durum wheat grown in dry and irrigated conditions. For this purpose, increasing doses of Nano-Si and Na-Si (0, 25, 50, 100 mg kg-1) were applied from the soil to durum wheat plants. The effects of plants on total plant and grain weight, relative water content and leaf water capacity, membrane permeability, total chlorophyll amounts, H2O2 and MDA content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and plant nutrient concentration were investigated. According to the results obtained, drought stress significantly reduced the growth and development of plants and prevented them from getting enough plant nutrients from the soil. Nano-Si application increased grain weight, relative water content, membrane permeability and total chlorophyll content, SOD, CAT, APX antioxidant enzyme activities, and Mg, Ca, and N concentration in durum wheat plants, decreasing H2O2 amount. There was no significant effect on total plant weight, leaf water capacity, MDA amount, and Si, P, and K concentrations in the plant. In light of this study, it is thought that Nano-Si application can positively affect plant growth in different plants in the long term.