IMPROVING DROUGHT TOLERANCE POTENTIAL IN WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) THROUGH EXOGENOUS SILICON SUPPLY

Silicon (Si) an essential plant constituent or metabolite is involved in enhancing metabolic, physiological and structural stability in plants. However, its role under biotic and abiotic stress conditions is still unclear and need to be explored. A study was designed to identify the effective methods of Si application for improving the drought tolerance potential of wheat. Various methods (seed priming, fertigation and foliar spray) of applying Si were evaluated in two local spring wheat genotypes grown in plastic pots under normal and water stress conditions. Water stress caused a marked decrease in water relations and uptake of phosphorous, potassium, magnesium and zinc in plants. The Si application significantly enhanced the plants ability to withstand water deficit conditions through increased Si uptake and improved activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Among Si supply methods, foliar spray was more effective in alleviating the adverse effects of drought. Further to this, results suggested that fertilizer Si should be foliarly applied at tillering than anthesis stage for maintenance of turgor and better accumulation of nutrients in both normal and water stressed wheat plants.