Silicon alleviates salt stress by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities in Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Tula’

Although silicon (Si) is not considered as an essential element, it is beneficial to the plant growth. Its effect is more evident under abiotic and biotic stress conditions. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of Si on the in vitro growth and resistance to salt stress of Dianthus caryophyllus ‘Tula’. The experiment was designed as a factorial design with 0, 50, or 100 mg·L−1 of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) in combination with 0, 50, or 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). The treatment of 50 mg·L−1 Si improved the growth of plant. However, the treatment of Si at 100 mg·L−1 reduced the growth. Although NaCl retarded the growth, addition of Si along with NaCl to the culture medium mitigated the effect of NaCl. A primary defense line by Si to overcome the photosynthetic depression was apparent from the increased chlorophyll content in the Si + NaCl treatment as compared to the treatment of NaCl alone. Enhancement of growth and resistance to salinity by Si was thought to be due to the modulation in activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase. Therefore, our results suggested that 50 mg·L−1 Si supplementation could be optimal for improved growth in vitro and enhanced resistance against salinity in D. caryophyllus ‘Tula’.