The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of silicon (Si) on hydroponically grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), under water deficit, simulated using polyethylene glycol (PEG). The plants were grown in four different nutrient solutions: Si0
PEG0, Si+ PEG0, Si0 PEG+ and Si+ PEG+. Morphological traits (shoot length, number
of leaves, fresh and dry biomass, RWC), physiological traits (photochemical efficiency
of photosystem II, stomatal conductance), and biochemical traits (concentration of photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, and elemental concentrations of Si, P, S, Cl,
K, and Ca) were measured. Silicon, PEG, and their combination influenced certain traits
of barley exposed to water deficit. Addition of Si to the nutrient solution increased the
number of green leaves and the concentration of Si in leaves, and reduced oxidative
lipid peroxidation in leaves. Water stress, simulated with PEG, predominantly had a
negative impact on the measured parameters. It was observed that the addition of PEG
to the nutrient solution, regardless of the presence of Si, resulted in a reduced number
of green leaves and decreased fresh biomass of leaves, stems, and roots, as well as reduced dry biomass of barley leaves. Silicon mitigated some of the adverse effects of
water stress, particularly in morphological traits. Further analyses would be required
for a more reliable interpretation of the results. It would be necessary to perform more
measurements of individual parameters and to check the effect of different
concentrations of Si and PEG on barley plants.
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