Silicon supplementation affects floricultural traits and leaf nutrient content in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus Hort.)

Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate five basal doses of silicon (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg ha^-1 as SiO₂) along with four foliar sprays at 3^rd and 6^th leaf stages (water spray, 1, 2 and 3% as SiO₂) on floricultural traits and leaf nutrient content in gladiolus cv. White Prosperity. The synergetic effect of silicon on the vegetative growth and floricultural traits was noticed as the dose was increased under both methods of application; however, more beneficial effect was recorded under the basal method of application. Basal silicon application at 100 kg ha^-1 recorded the earliest spike emergence and flowering (101.68 and 122.42 days) along with maximum plant height (103.91 cm), spike length (79.88 cm), spike weight (15.51 g), vase life (8.75 days) and silicon content (2.04%). Foliar spray at 3% resulted in early spike emergence and flowering (101.53 and 122.28 days) along with maximum plant height (99.33 cm), spike length (82.18 cm), floret size (9.73 cm), spike weight (15.51 g) and silicon content (1.88%). Despite the positive effect of the singular application of silicon, the combined application of soil and foliar method exhibited the most inductive effect on all observed parameters. Silicon application at lower rates improved Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn content in leaves and vice-versa. Hence, it was concluded that silicon fertilization at 100 kg ha^-1 along with foliar spray of 3% at 3^rd and 6^th leaf stage in gladiolus can be considered a production technology of great importance for promoting floricultural traits and nutrient content in gladiolus.