Beneficial Role of Soluble Silica in Enhancing Chlorophyll Content in Onion Leaves

Tasneem Rangwala¹*, Angurbala Bafna¹, Nagesh Vyas², Rohan Gupta²

¹Department of Biochemistry, Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore-452017, M.P., India

²Noble Alchem Pvt. Ltd.,Sanwer Road, Indore, M.P., India

Corresponding Author’s E-mail: tasneemdharwala@yahoo.com

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.7.3.12

Abstract:

Silicon which is not considered essential element, improves growth and development in onion. The present study was designed to investigate beneficial role of soluble silica in increasing chlorophyll content in onion leaves. Soluble silica under tradename Agribooster^TM was used to alleviate environmental stress. Eight treatments were given at the interval of 15 days after one month of sowing in randomised block design as follows: T1- without fertilizer and soluble silica (Control), T2, T3, T4- foliar spray of soluble silica viz, 7.5, 10  and 12.5 ml/ lit respectively,T5- only fertilizer,T6, T7, T8- fertilizer + foliar spray of soluble silica viz, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 ml/ lit respectively. Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content were determined. Malondialdehyde was estimated in leaves to determine level of stress. Malondialdehyde content was found to be significantly higher in control and only fertilizer treated leaves of onion indicating stress in plants which significantly decreased level of chlorophyll a as well as chlorophyll b. This negative effect of stress in chlorophyll content was counteracted by soluble silica. Soluble silica could be used to increase chlorophyll content which will improve photosynthesis.

Keywords:

Agribooster^TM; Carotenoid; Chlorophyll; Malondialdehyde

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