Supplemental silicon affects sunflowers differently

Silicon is a key component in mineral soil, but it has been overlooked for years since it is not considered an essential element for plant growth and development, said Todd Cavins, a technical specialist with Sun Gro Horticulture and former horticulture professor at Oklahoma State University. Cavins and former OSU colleague Sophia Kamenidou examined the effects of silicon supplements on Helianthus annuus L. ‘Ring of Fire’ grown in greenhouse environments.

Sunflowers are capable of accumulating silicon from multiple sources and the researchers found major benefits to some silicon supplements. Depending on the source and concentration of silicon used, several traits were improved as a result of silicon supplementation.

“We observed thick, straight stems, increased flower and stem diameters, and increased height in some of the treatments, upgrading sunflower quality compared with untreated controls,” Cavins said.

Growth abnormalities were observed when silicon concentrations of 100 and 200 milligrams per liter were supplied as potassium silicate substrate drenches. Plants appeared stunted with deformed flowers and flowering was delayed.

The study appeared in the February 2008 issue of HortScience.

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For more: Todd Cavins, Sun Gro Horticulture, (405) 533-3751; toddc@sungro.com. American Society of Horticultural Science, (703) 836-4606; http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/43/1/236.

August 2008