Silicon as a mitigator of the effects of water deficiency on young passion fruit plants
Passifloraceae, water deficit, metabolism
Passion fruit belongs to the Passifloraceae family, has a wide acceptance because of its characteristics of high productivity and diversity in use in the food, medicinal and ornamental industry. Water deficit is the most limiting factor for high yields and quality products, also affecting plant development and photosynthetic processes. Thus, we know that silicon (Si) is an element that can minimize the effects of water deficiency. It contributes to minimize the effects of this deficiency, capable of promoting plant protection, reducing water loss, increasing photosynthetic capacity, aiding growth and production. In the same way, Si can also act on nitrogen metabolism, also assisting in the absorption of nutrients by passion fruit plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth, biochemical and physiological parameters of passion fruit plants when submitted to different silicon concentrations under water deficit. Reducing sugars, total soluble carbohydrates and proteins were influenced by silicon application and under water stress. For height, diameter, number of leaves, silicon provided an increase, interfering with biomass production. The physiological parameters provided changes in carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Water deficiency can have several impacts on plant development. However, we know that silicon (Si) is an element that can minimize the effects of this deficience.