Effect of nanosilicil potassium on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under drought stress

Water-deficit stress is known as drought stress, which reduces agricultural production mainly by disrupting the osmotic equilibrium and membrane structure of the cell. Drought stresses, either flooding or drought, affect multiple aspects of plant physiology and metabolism. Flooding results in reduced oxygen supply to roots, leading to the malfunctioning of critical root functions, including limited nutrient uptake and respiration. Nanotechnology research has opened up a new opportunity in crop improvement. Silica is one of the most common elements in the earth’s crust and in the plants’ ash. Although Si is not always considered a necessary element for plants, it is assumed to be necessary for some plants. During the last decade, an array of exploratory experiments has been conducted to gauge the potential impact of nanotechnology on crop improvement. Nanotechnology is one of the most significant techniques in the protection of agricultural products and food, and much research attribute to its utilization a number of environmental benefits. Application of nanotechnology in agriculture and related industries can increase production, improve quality and protect the environment and global resources. Nano fertilizers can increase the efficiency nutrient use by controlling the release of the nutrients from the fertilizer.

In order to study the influence of potassium nano-silica (PNS) on maize under different levels of drought stress, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized block design with three replications at the Center of Agricultural Research and Education and the Natural Resources of Qazvin, during the 2017-2018 growing season. The first factor was drought stress and the second factor nano-silica/potassium fertilizer was included (control) 1 and 2 per thousand. There were 5 rows of 5 m with a row distance of 75 cm. Plant distance within a row was 20 cm. Seeds were disinfected with Vitawax fungicide before they were planted. Seeds were planted in groups of 3 at 3-5 cm depth to guarantee that a healthy plant was established at each plant site. Superfluous plants were removed when plants had 4-6 leaves. The solution of PNS was sprayed at 0, 100 and 200 ppm concentrations when plants had 6-8 leaves. The control group was treated with distilled water. Weeds were removed manually during the experiment. The harvest was performed manually when seeds were physiologically ripe.

The results showed that by increasing drought stress, plant height, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, leaf number per plant, number of ear per plant, ear length, ear diameter, row number per ear, number of seeds per ear, ear cob weight, ear weight and seed thousand weight decreased. It was observed that the by using nano-silica/potassium the morphological characteristics of corn and the absorption of nutrients were improved, fresh weight, dry weight, number of ear per plant, ear length, number of rows per ear, ear weight and ear weight, were obtained in 2 in 1000 nano-silica/ potassium. Number of leaves per plant, ear diameter, number of seeds per row and seed thousand weight of levels 1 and 2 in 1000 nano-silica/potassium were in a statistical group.

The results of this study indicated that the using of nano-silica/potassium fertilizer under favorable irrigation conditions and drought stress by providing nutrients could improve morphological indices and absorption of nutrients. Nano-silica/potassium fertilizer was decreased the effects of drought stress and was increased plant tolerance to drought stress conditions.