Silicon boosts yields, disease protection in media

Silicon is an important component lacking in most growing media. Adding it may reduce the need for plant growth regulators and disease-control pesticides.

Studies at the Agricultural Research Service’s Greenhouse Production Research Group in Toledo, Ohio, found silicon boosts yields and protects plants from toxicity and fungal diseases.

Horticulturist Jonathan Frantz and plant pathologist Jim Locke have studied silicon uptake in ornamentals including begonia, carnation, geranium, impatiens, marigold, orchid, pansy, petunia, snapdragon, verbena and zinnia.

Some plants, including New Guinea impatiens, marigold and zinnia, accumulate silicon in significant concentrations in unique cells in their leaves. The researchers want to determine which crops put nutrients where they are most useful to the plant.

Tests also were performed to see if silicon imparts resistance to gray mold and powdery mildew. Researchers found it helps to reduce symptoms of powdery mildew in zinnia but not in begonia and geranium, which do not accumulate silicon.

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The scientists also plan to test crops for silicon-induced resistance to pests.

For more: Jim Locke, ARS Greenhouse Production Research Group, (419) 530-1595; jim.locke@ars.usda.gov.