VIDEO LECTURE 5
The effect of silicon on the organically grown cucumber transplants growth and quality
Silicon, when readily available to plants, plays a large role in their growth, mineral nutrition, mechanical strength, and resistance to fungal diseases, herbivory, and adverse chemical conditions of the medium. Other beneficial effects include overall disease and insect resistance, plant structural fortification, and regulation of the uptake of other plant nutrients. The purpose of the investigations was to look the effect of Silicon on the cucumber transplant quality, because only few investigations have been carried out on cucumber transplants treated with Silicon. Another aim was to see whether there is an effect of Silicon so early in plant development. There were two treatments: 1. stabilized silicic acid treatment; 2. control. Silicic acid improved the quality of cucumber transplants: Cucumber transplants were taller (looked more green) and stem diameter was greater in silicic acid treatment compared to control. The content of nitrates in raw cucumber transplants was higher in silicic acid treatment compared to control treatment. The content of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Magnesium in cucumber transplants dry matter were higher in silicic acid treatment compared to control treatment. The content of Potassium and Calcium in cucumber transplants dry matter were not significantly different between different treatments. Key words: Cucumber, growth, quality, Silicon To learn more please read: Olle, M. 2020. Silicon as a challenge for sustainable vegetable crop production. USA: Amazon Media EU S.Ã r.l. , (in English), 88 pp. Go and grab Your book here.