Silicon elicited varied physiological and biochemical responses in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea): a concentration dependent study

The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the silicon (Si) mediated responses in different cultivars of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and to evaluate if Si could be used as an essential, beneficial, or quasi-essential element for growth and development of these cultivars. Surface sterilized seeds were sown in pots and allowed to germinate under natural environmental conditions. At 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 days after germination, a range of Si concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mM) was administered to the soil and at 30 days post germination the plants were sampled to assess growth and development, leaf gas exchange traits and plant biochemical parameters, including activities of carbonic anhydrase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and protein and proline content. The results demonstrate a dual response to Si concentration: 0.8 mM of Si significantly increased plant growth and development (length of root and shoot, fresh and dry biomass, and leaf area) and photosynthetic efficiency, and enhanced the antioxidant response in T-59 over all the other cultivars tested, whereas, 1.6 mM of Si significantly reduced the above parameters. It is therefore concluded that low levels of Si could be used as a quasi-essential element for enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidant response of Brassica juncea plants; however, the response is cultivar specific and concentration dependent.