Common barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown hydroponically was exposed to nutrient solutions containing different concentrations of Si (0 mM; 0.5 mM, 1 mM, and 1.5 mM Si). Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of control and treated plants were measured during the experiment. Morphological parameters, reflectance, transmittance, chlorophyll a and b content, carotenoid content and electron transport system activity (ETS) were measured. Weekly measurements of the actual and potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem II were carried out. Trichomes on the upper and lower side of the leaf were counted and analysed. Different silicon concentrations had a mixed effect on the observed parameters in barley grown hydroponically. Barley grown in nutrient solution with 0.5 mM silicon had the longest roots, the highest chlorophyll a and b content, the highest ETS activity, and the lowest number of trichomes on the upper side of the epidermis. The control group (0 mM Si) had more senescent leaves than the barley plants, treated with silicon.
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