Effect of Nano silicon particles spraying on carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) plants grown in soilless culture and irrigated with saline water

Abstract

The study examined the impact of salt stress on carnation plants and the efficacy of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs). Two trials manipulated salinity levels (0, 20, 40, and 60 mm) and SiO2-NPs concentrations (0, 25, and 50 mg L−1). Elevated salinity resulted in decreased growth, root development, and flowering traits while accelerating flowering time and increasing Na+ and Cl− content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity. Conversely, SiO2-NPs application improved growth parameters, root development, and flowering traits, enhanced leaf chemical composition and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, and mitigated negative effects compared to the control. The 25 mg L−1 SiO2-NPs treatment proved most effective in alleviating salt stress. These findings indicate SiO2-NPs could be valuable in mitigating salt stress impacts on carnation plants.

Keywords

• Carnation plants
• biostimulants
• Nano-SiO2
• salt stress