PJB-2020-41
INFLUENCE OF SILICA GEL ON ION HOMEOSTASIS IN SALT STRESSED WHEAT VARIETIES OF BALOCHISTAN
Tasneem Kousar
Abstract
After rice, wheat is an important source of food for the developing nations. Wheat belongs to Gramineae family and designated as silicon accumulator. Usage of saline land for wheat generation is one of the critical techniques to upgrade the production. Application of silicon minimizes opposing consequences of salinity. In this research effect of silicon on of wheat under salt stress was investigated. Seeds of four cultivars, two salt sensitive & two salt tolerant were treated with silicon in the form of silica gel (SiO2) in the presence & absence of salt. Plant growth, sodium and potassium concentrations were observed in wheat. The dried wheat plants were acid digested and Na, K measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that salt stress inhibited not only the growth but also increased the sodium concentration in plants. When silica gel was applied to salt stressed plants the sodium concentration decreased with the increase in potassium concentration. Plants growth and potassium concentration was improved by the application of silicon which helps the plant to initiate the sodium toxicity. It is, therefore, suggested that application of silicon must be included in salt stress alleviation techniques.
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