Application of silicon increases the productivity of peanut grain

Abstract

The Si supply depending on the application mode that can be applied via root (soil or hydroponic cultivation) and via leaf and can benefit the productivity of peanut plants. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of the application of Si in the root, leaf spraying and Si via root forms plus leaf spraying in the number of pods per plant, weight of pods and productivity of peanut plants. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, on peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivar granoleico. To carry out the studies, the following treatments were considered: without Si application (-Si); Si via root (Si R) (2.0 mmol L^-1) Si via leaf (Si F) (4.0 mmol L^-1) and Si via root using nutrient solution associated with the leaf (Si R + F), arranged in randomized blocks with five repetitions. The plants received a nutrient solution from Hoagland and Arnon with 25% of ionic strength throughout the development. The source of Si used was sodium and potassium silicate (113.4 g L^-1 of Si and 18.9 g L^-1 of K₂O), potassium was balanced in all treatments, using potassium chloride. Leaf spraying was carried out in the early morning with a humidity of 70% or more and a low temperature of 25^oC. The number of pods per plant, weight of pods and productivity of peanut plants were evaluated. The supply of Si, regardless of the form of application of the element, increased the number and weight of pods and increased the productivity of peanut grains.