2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Silicon (Si) accumulator species such as rice, wheat and cucurbits can absorb and accumulate soluble silicate under normal growing conditions and gain beneficial effects from the Si deposit under the cuticle. However, Si non-accumulator species such as leafy green vegetables have not been investigated very much. Recent studies have found that some Silicon non-accumulator species can start uptake Si and obtain benefits when under biotic or abiotic stresses. We investigated different levels of silicon amendments to the nutrient solutions of several hydroponically grown leafy green crops (lettuce, basil and bok choy, representing the common leafy green vegetable families Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Brassicaceae), and observed the Si uptake and plant growth characteristics under heat & cold stress or physical damage. Basil with Si amendment showed significantly increased cold tolerance. Si amended lettuce and bok choy showed moderate increase in heat tolerance. The Si levels in basil, lettuce and bok choy plant tissue were increased after cut and grow back treatment. Our results indicate Si is an overall beneficial nutrient to the non-accumulator species.