Exogenous Supplementation of Potassium Silicate (K2SiO3) Enhances Growth and Productivity of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus)
摘要
The investigation of naturally occurring substances that improve plant growth and resilience has been spurred by the increased focus on sustainable agriculture techniques. The purpose of this study is to evaluate different application techniques, including seed priming, foliar treatment, and soil drenching in order to better understand the mechanisms by which potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) promotes the growth and productivity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). K₂SiO₃ is a water-soluble biostimulant that releases bioavailable silicon (Si), enhancing the structural strength of plants. In this study, different doses of K₂SiO₃ were applied to okra plants through various methods, including seed priming, foliar spraying, and soil drenching. The following factors were evaluated such as morpho-physiological characterizations and biochemical status of the plants. Supplementing okra plants with K₂SiO₃ increased silicon accumulation in plant tissues, which contributed to strengthened cell walls and enhanced overall growth and development. It also improved plant pigment content, relative water content, enzymatic antioxidant activity, and levels of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Among the three application methods seed priming, soil drenching, and foliar spray; soil drenching at a 0.5% concentration (T2) was the most effective, resulting in significant improvements in plant growth, health, and yield. Similarly, seed priming and foliar application showed beneficial effects and can be further refined as efficient and sustainable approaches for crop improvement. The study shows that K₂SiO₃ applied through seed priming, soil drenching, and foliar spraying enhances okra growth, physiology, and biochemical performance. Soil drenching with 0.5% K₂SiO₃ proved most effective, delivering significant improvements in plant development and yield. Seed priming and foliar spraying also showed positive effects, highlighting K₂SiO₃ as a versatile input for sustainable crop production and resilience.