Effect of Silicon Application on Leaf mineral Composition of Eucalyptus

Abstract

Eucalyptus is a commonly planted tree in North India and its cultivation area is increasing. Leaves of Eucalyptus are used for tea which has healing properties and many other economic uses. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earths crust next to oxygen. Silicon (Si) can improve photosynthesis, decrease transpiration, increase water use efficiency and provide resistance against biotic and abiotic stress. The clear information was not available regarding Silicon nourishment in tree species like Eucalyptus. Although a positive in plant development and overall dry matter production was noticed in Eucalyptus with Si application. The amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were inclined leaf whereas Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content was not affected by Si application potassium silicate (K2SiO3). Finally results revealed that upon Si application significant increase in the leaf mineral content in almost all genotypes was recorded. Correlation studies revealed that leaf N and P were highly and significantly correlated with leaf copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) content, leaf Mg and leaf Cu were positively and significantly correlated with leaf N, manganese (Mn) and Fe content, leaf Mn and Fe content were highly and significantly correlated with leaf N, Mg and Cu content. To our detailed knowledge this is the first ever study conducted in Eucalyptus. Here the influence of potassium silicate on popular North Indian cultivars leaf mineral content Nevertheless, more studies are required to analyze the effect of Si application in tree species like Eucalyptus.