The effect of silicon on plant growth and some physiological parameters in salt stress tolerant and sensitive melon genotypyes

Salinity stress in crop production is known as the most important abiotic stress that restricts plant growth and yield. In this study, salt tolerant and sensitive genotypes selected from different genotypes used in a previously completed study were used as plant material, and a pot experiment was carried out in a growing greenhouse in order to determine the effect of silicon on plant growth and some physiological parameters. Salt application was started two weeks after the seedlings were transferred to the pots. Silicon application was started at the same time as the salt application two weeks after the seedlings were transferred to the pots and was applied by adding it to the nutrient solution. Two different salt doses (0 and 100 mM) and 2 mM Si doses were used in the study. In order to follow the plant growth, the growth parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, green parts and root fresh and dry weights, relative growth rate, physiological parameters; The amount of chlorophyll, leaf water potential, leaf osmotic potential, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal permeability, intrinsic carbon dioxide and leaf temperature were investigated. As a result of the study, it was determined that the silicon applied to the melons grown under salt stress had a statistically significant effect on each observed parameter. Finally, it was determined that silicon application generally contributed positively to plant growth and physiological parameters compared to control group plants.