Acta Scientiarum Polonorum: Hortorum Cultus (Aug 2015)
THE EFFECT OF SILICON ON NECTAR AND POLLEN PRODUCTION IN Hosta Tratt. ‘Krossa Regal’
Abstract
Recently, the importance of silicon (Si) has been demonstrated for many plant physiological processes. The recognized function of Si is to help plants to overcome multiple biotic and abiotic stresses, e.g. disease or pests, low temperature, water deficit, salinity or heavy metals. Silicon advantageously impact on plant development and may improve the quality of ornamental plants. Hosta is an ornamental perennial, that flowers can serve as a source of nectar and pollen for floral visitors. The effect of artificial silicon (Si) supply on flowering, nectar production and pollen traits in Hosta Tratt. ‘Krossa Regal’ was studied. A foliar spraying of 0, 120, 180 and 240 mg Si·dm–3 was applied with water solutions of Actisil Hydro Plus, containing silicon in the form of H4SiO4. Silicon supply in concentration of 180 and 240 mg Si·dm-3 affected the morphometric traits of the flower (perianth width and floral tube length), but not the number of flowers produced per inflorescence. The silicon supply in concentration of 180 and 240 mg Si·dm-3 resulted in the increase of nectar production and in sugars excess in floral nectar. Treatments in concentration of 180 and 240 mg Si·dm-3 positively influence both pollen production and pollen viability. Presumably, most of these results can be explained through the effect of the Si on metabolism enhancement, e.g. by water balance regulation and increase in photosynthetic efficiency.
