ARTICLES / ARTIGOS

DOI: 10.5433/1679-0359.2022v43n3p1297

Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry

tomato under different electrical conductivity levels

Silício aumenta a produção e qualidade de frutos de

tomate cereja fertirrigado sob diferentes níveis de
condutividade elétrica

Rejane Meyson Vieira de Sousa1; Aldelan Arnaldo Silva1; Giselle Mendes Fonseca2;
Jenilton Gomes da Cunha3*; Julian Junio de Jesús Lacerda4; Wilon Pinheiro
Guimarães5; Gabriel Barbosa da Silva Júnior4; Regiana dos Santos Moura6;
Everaldo Moreira da Silva4

Highlights
Electrical conductivity management increases the production of cherry tomato.
Silicon increases the biomass of cherry tomato plants.
Fruits quality was mediated by the application of silicon.

Abstract
The addition of high nutrient concentrations to irrigation water increases its electrical conductivity by
contributing to its salinity, resulting in crop yield losses. However, in cases where stress conditions are
not observed, silicon can act as a biostimulant and promote vegetative growth, fruit quality, and fruit
production. From this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of fertigation with different
electrical conductivity levels associated with potassium silicate on the production parameters of cherry
tomatoes grown in a protected environment. The study was conducted in Bom Jesus - PI, and arranged
in a randomized block design with four replications and a 6 x 2 factorial corresponding to six electrical
conductivity levels (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 dS m-1) in the absence and presence of silicon (2 mmol

1
Students of Master's Course of Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy Department, Universidade
Federal do Piauí, UFPI, Bom Jesus, PI, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
2
Student of Undergraduate Course in Agronomic Engineering, Agronomy Department, UFPI, Bom Jesus, PI, Brazil.
E-mail: [email protected]
3
Student of Doctoral Course of Postgraduate Program in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy Department, UFPI, Bom
Jesus, PI, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
4
Profs. Drs. Graduate Program in Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy Department, UFPI, Bom Jesus, PI, Brazil. E-mail:
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
5
Researcher, Institute of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension of the State of Piauí, Empresa Paranaense de
Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural, EMATER, Teresina, PI, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
6
Profa Dra, Graduate Program in Agricultural Engineering, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, UFRB, Cruz
das Almas, BA, Brazil. E-mail: [email protected]
* Author for correspondence
Received: June 10, 2021 - Approved: Mar. 15, 2022

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 Sousa, R. M. V. et al.

L-1). The variables analyzed were the number of fruits per plant, fresh and dry fruit biomass, dry biomass of
stem, leaves, bunches, root, shoot, and whole plant; and chemical quality of fruits (pH, total soluble solids,
titratable acidity, and the ratio of total soluble solids to titratable acidity. Silicon supplementation increased
the root and shoot dry masses and improved fruits quality, thus increasing cherry tomato production
(Sweet Heaven hybrid) regardless of the electrical conductivity levels.
Key words: Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme. Biostimulant. Beneficial element.

Resumo
A adição de elevadas concentrações de nutrientes à água de irrigação promove o aumento da
condutividade elétrica, deixando a solução sob condições salinas, o que acarreta perdas de produtividade
das culturas. No entanto, mesmo nos casos em que as condições de estresse não são evidentes, o silício
pode apresentar função benéfica como elemento bioestimulante, promovendo aumento no crescimento
vegetativo, na produção e na qualidade de frutos. Neste sentido, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar
o efeito de diferentes níveis de condutividade elétrica da fertirrigação, associados ao uso de silicato
de potássio nos parâmetros produtivos do mini-tomate cultivado em ambiente protegido. O estudo foi
realizado em Bom Jesus - PI, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com 4 repetições, em esquema
fatorial 6 x 2, correspondendo a seis níveis de condutividade elétrica (1,0; 2,0; 3,0; 4,0; 5,0 e 6,0 dS m-1),
na ausência e presença de silício (2 mmol L-1). As variáveis analisadas foram: número de frutos por planta,
massa da matéria fresca e seca dos frutos, massa da matéria seca do caule, folhas, cachos, raiz, parte
aérea e planta inteira; e qualidade química dos frutos (pH, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez titulável e relação
entre sólidos solúveis totais/acidez titulável. A suplementação de silício aumenta a massa seca da raiz e
da parte aérea e melhora a qualidade dos frutos, resultando no aumento da produção de tomate cereja
(híbrido Sweet Heaven), independentemente do nível de condutividade elétrica estudado.
Palavras-chave: Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme. Bioestimulante. Elemento benéfico.

Introduction In this scenario, cherry tomato

production requires technologies such as
Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum protected cultivation and fertigation, which
Mill.) is one of the most cultivated and favor product quality, clean production, the
consumed vegetables in the world. According efficient use of water and fertilizers, early
to Food and Agriculture Organization of the production, and high profitability (Shamshiri,
United Nations [FAOSTAT] (2022), worldwide 2017). These technologies are associated
tomato production reached 186,821 million with the use of substrates, which provide
tons in 5.051 million ha in 2020. Tomato fruits support for plants and an ideal environment
have properties that favor the elimination of for cultivation (Kraska, Kleinschmidt, Weinand,
free radicals from the human organism and & Pude, 2018). However, the continuous
contain lycopene, an important antioxidant monitoring of the soil solution through its
compound in the fight against cancer (Leong, electrical conductivity (EC) is necessary to
Show, Lim, Ooi, & Ling, 2017). minimize the adverse effects caused by excess

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Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry tomato under...

salts distributed by fertigation throughout the has been a constant problem, especially for
crop cycle (Bonachela, Fernández, Cabrera, cherry tomato, a nutrient-demanding crop
& Granados, 2018; Bezerra, Pereira, Bezerra, characterized as moderately sensitive to
Cavalcante, & Medeiros, 2019). salt stress, resulting in reduced plant growth
(Amjad et al., 2019; Alam et al., 2021).
The adverse effects caused by such
conditions are related to morphological, In this context, several studies have
physiological, and biochemical plant been carried out with silicon because of the
processes (Khan et al., 2019; Lima et al., various beneficial effects of this element
2020). For example, dry matter production on plants, with emphasis on the cultivation
decreases under high salt concentrations in of horticultural species such as cucumber
the culture medium, with negative effects on (Cucumis sativus L.) (Campos, Mello Prado,
photosynthesis (Alam, Tester, Fiene, & Mousa, Caione, Lima, & Mingotte, 2016), cauliflower
2021). Additionally, losses in the water-use (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.), broccoli
efficiency and nutrient deficiency can also (Brassica oleracea var. italica L.) (Barreto,
be observed (N, Ca, K, P, Fe, and Zn), causing Schiavon, Maggio, & Mello Prado, 2017),
oxidative stress due to the production of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) (G.
reactive oxygen species (Rehman et al., 2019). B. D. Silva et al., 2019), and tomato (Solanum
The main symptoms of toxicity due to excess lycopersicum L.) (Pailles et al., 2019; Costan,
salts are reduced stem height and root length, Stamatakis, Chrysargyris, Petropoulos, &
shortened internodes, wilting, chlorosis, Tzortzakis, 2020). In general, these studies
leaf abscission, and root and leaf necrosis, address the mitigating effect of Si under
potentially causing plant death (Shrivastava abiotic stress conditions (Khan, Latif Khan,
& Kumar, 2015; Rahneshan, Fatemeh, & Muneer, Kim, & AL-Rawahi, 2019). However,
Moghadam, 2018). the biostimulating effect of Si, increasing
vegetative growth and fruit production at
Silicon fertilization stands out among
different EC levels, especially in cherry tomato
the widespread alternatives used to mitigate
plants grown under fertigation, is still not
the deleterious effects caused by abiotic
widely reported in the literature. From this
stresses (Li et al., 2018), the most common
perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the
source of which is potassium silicate, given
effect of fertigation with different electrical
its high solubility (Savvas & Natatsi, 2015).
conductivity levels associated with potassium
Although Si is not considered as an essential
silicate on the production parameters of cherry
plant nutrient, it is responsible for stimulating
tomatoes grown in a protected environment.
plant growth and production, protecting plants
against abiotic stresses (Kurdali, AL-Chammaa,
& AL-Ain, 2018), and mitigating nutritional
Material and Methods
stress (Silva G. B. D. et al., 2019; Campos et
al., 2020), water stress (Kobra, Emam, Ashraf., The experiment was conducted
& Arvin, 2019), and salinity (AL-Garni, Khan, & from September 2017 to January 2018 in a
Bahieldin, 2019). The salinity caused by excess greenhouse at the Federal University of Piauí
salts applied through fertigation in tomato (UFPI), Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas

Semina: Ciênc. Agrár. Londrina, v. 43, n. 3, p. 1297-1316, maio/jun. 2022 1299

 The experiment was conducted from September 2017 to January 2018 in a greenhouse at the
Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), Campus Professora Cinobelina Elvas (CPCE), in Bom Jesus - PI, located
at the following geographic coordinates: 09º 05’ 32” S, 44º 20’ 32” W, and at an elevation
Sousa, R. M.of
V. et 277
al. m a.s.l.
The data relative to air temperature and relative humidity during the experiment are presented in Figure 1.
The climate of theinregion
(CPCE), is dry- and
Bom Jesus sub-humid,
PI, located according
at the regiontoisThornthwaite’s classification,
dry and sub-humid, according with
to average
following geographic coordinates: 09º 05’ 32” Thornthwaite’s classification, with average
rainfall ranging from 900 to 1200 mm year-1 and an rainfall
S, 44º 20’ 32” W, and at an elevation of 277
averageranging
temperature of 26.5 ºC (R. M. Medeiros,
from 900 to 1200 mm year-1
Alcântara Silva,
m a.s.l.Silva
The Melo, Menezes,
data relative & temperature
to air Menezes, 2016).
and an average temperature of 26.5 ºC (R. M.
and relative humidity during the experiment Medeiros, Alcântara Silva, Silva Melo, Menezes,
are presented in Figure 1. The climate of the & Menezes, 2016).

42 Vegetative Reproductive Productive 90

39 80

70
36
60
33
50

RU (%)
T (°C)

30
40
27 30

24 20

21 10

0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
DAT Temperature
Relative humidity
Stage

Figure 1. Mean air temperature and relative humidity inside the greenhouse during the experiment.
Figure 1. Mean air temperature and relative humidity inside the greenhouse during the experiment.

The experimental design was set up in fertilizers (macro and micronutrients), with an
randomized blocks with four replications and electrical conductivity of 0.7 dS m-1 and a pH
arranged in a 6 x 2 factorial, corresponding to six of 6.5 ± 0.25.
electrical conductivity levels (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0,
The content of potassium silicate used
5.0, and 6.0 dS m-1) in the presence and absence
in the experiment was based on the solubility
of silicon. Potassium silicate was adopted as
of silicic acid -(H4SiO4) in water, which is about
the source of Si at the concentration of 2.0
2 mmol L-1 at 25 ºC (equivalent to the SiO2
mmol L-1. Each experimental unit consisted
concentration of 120 mg L-1). Concentrations
of a plant grown in an 8-L polyethylene pot
higher than 2 mmol L-1 cause the polymerization
filled with the commercial substrate Carolina
of silicic acid into silica (SiO2•nH2O) (Savvas &
Soil Padrão II®, consisting of Sphagnum peat,
Natatsi, 2015).
expanded vermiculite, roasted rice husk, and

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Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry tomato under...

The cherry tomato (Solanum pipes). Valves were installed at the beginning
lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) hybrid Sweet of each row, allowing different nutrient
Heaven (“grape” type) was cultivated in a concentrations according to each treatment.
greenhouse measuring 36 m², covered by
The fertigation solutions (treatments)
150-mm-thick transparent polyethylene
were stored in PVC tanks (100 L): tank 1
film, and protected on the sides with a white
corresponded to fertigation without Si, and
30% polypropylene shade net (Sombrite®).
tank 2 corresponded to fertigation with Si.
The seedlings were propagated in 128-cell
The system also had a 0.5-hp pump with a
expanded polystyrene trays filled with the
manometer and filtration systems. Fertigation
commercial substrate Carolina Padrão II® and
was performed three times a week, and the
were transplanted to pots when they had four
silicon solution was applied every day. The
or five true leaves, which occurred 25 days
irrigation system was evaluated under the
after sowing.
operating pressure of 1 kgf cm-2 and showed
The seedlings were treated with a water distribution uniformity coefficient of
a solution composed of Connect® and 98.2%.
Carbomax® in the proportion of 1 mL of
Fertilizers were applied along with
compound to 1 L of water to avoid pests and
irrigation water according to the methodology
diseases before transplanting. Twenty days
described by D. R. G. Silva and Lopes (2011) by
after transplanting, the plants were trained with
considering the solubility (g L-1 at 20 °C) and
smooth wire No. 14 attached to the wooden
salt index (1.0 g L-1 at 25 ºC) of the salts used:
frame of the greenhouse at an approximate
ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, potassium
height of 2 m and were conducted vertically
nitrate, monoammonium phosphate,
using nylon strings. The lateral shoots that
magnesium sulfate, and potassium silicate.
emerged at the base of the stems were
removed every week using pruning shears, Fertigation without Si was based
whereas those located above this region were on the crop absorption rate proposed by
kept. After removing the shoots, Carbendazin® Alvarenga (2013). The reference considered
was applied for disease control, whereas the for the chemical composition of fertilizer
commercial product Terranim® was applied salts was the cherry tomato fertilization
pest control in a solution equivalent to 4 mL recommendation described by Moraes (1997).
L-1. The sources of macronutrients used were
MAP - monoammonium phosphate, potassium
The experiment used a drip irrigation
nitrate, calcium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate.
system with pressure-compensating emitters
The applied contents of these macronutrients
and a nominal flow rate of 4 L h-1 attached to
are detailed in Table 1.
irrigation rows (16-mm-diameter polyethylene

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 Sousa, R. M. V. et al.

Table 1
Sources and nutrient contents applied via fertigation during cherry tomato cultivation according to
different electrical conductivity levels and (Si) absence or presence of silicon

Without Si
Electrical NH4H2PO4 KNO3 Ca(NO3)2 MgSO4 Total
conductivity levels -------------------------------------g per plant -----------------------------------------
1.22 dS m -1
15.88 33.85 22.49 15.21 87.44
2.13 dS m-1 31.76 67.71 44.99 30.42 74.87
3.12 dS m -1
47.64 101.56 67.48 45.63 262.31
4.07 dS m -1
63.52 135.41 89.98 60.84 349.75
5.12 dS m -1
79.40 169.26 112.47 76.05 437.19
6.07 dS m-1 95.29 203.12 134.96 91.26 524.62
Total 333.50 710.90 472.40 319.40 1,736.20
With Si
SO3NH4 NH4H2PO4 KNO3 Ca(NO3)2 MgSO4 K2SiO3 Total
-------------------------------------g per plant -----------------------------------------
1.22 dS m-1 0.95 15.88 31.24 22.49 15.21 1.925 87.70
2.13 dS m -1
0.95 31.76 65.10 44.99 30.42 1.925 175.14
3.12 dS m -1
0.95 47.64 98.95 67.48 45.63 1.925 262.57
4.07 dS m -1
0.95 63.52 132.80 89.98 60.84 1.925 350.01
5.12 dS m -1
0.95 79.40 166.65 112.47 76.05 1.925 437.44
6.07 dS m-1 0.95 95.29 200.51 134.96 91.26 1.925 524.90
Total 5.7 333.50 695.25 472.40 319.40 11.550 1,837.77

Micronutrient applications were Si was predicted based on the content of

performed by foliar spraying at weekly intervals dissolved salts and adjusted according to a
based on a commercial product with a solid test conducted using a portable conductivity
mixture EDTA - chelated nutrients containing meter.
Cu, Mn, Zn, B, and Mo, respectively at 0.28, 7.5,
After 120 days, the fresh fruit mass
0.7, 0.65, and 0.3%.
(FFM) (g per plant) was measured on an
The salts used in the fertigation with Si analytical balance accurate to 0.001 g. The
were calcium citrate, MAP - monoammonium dry masses of fruits, leaves, stems, roots, the
phosphate, magnesium sulfate, ammonium shoot dry mass, and the total dry mass (ShDM)
sulfate, and potassium silicate. Ammonium were obtained after drying in a forced-air
sulfate was used at equivalent proportions in oven at 65 ± 1°C for 72 hours until constant
all electrical conductivity levels by maintaining weight. Then, the masses were measured on
the same contents of K+ in all treatments an analytical balance accurate to 0.001 g.
(Table 1). The electrical conductivity of the
Fruit physicochemical quality was
solution in the treatments without Si and with
analyzed by determining the pH, total soluble

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Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry tomato under...

the degree of maturity of the raw material and its palatability, was measured according to the methodology
solids (TSS, with
established byvalues in °Brix),
the Instituto andLutz
Adolfo titratable
(1985). polynomial regression by adopting the best-fit
acidity (TA, with values in %). The samples significant model and the highest coefficient
The data were tested for normality of residuals (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and homogeneity of
were composed of ten fruits per treatment. of determination, whereas the silicon factor
variances (Shapiro-Wilk). Subsequently,
The relationship between total soluble solids analysis of variance
was was performed
analyzed with theofF-test
by comparison means(P <using
0.05). The
and titratable acidity, used
electrical conductivity as awas
factor parameter
analyzed to the Tukey
by polynomial test atby5%
regression probability
adopting withsignificant
the best-fit the
evaluate
modeltheand degree of coefficient
the highest maturity of the raw
of determination,statistical software
whereas the Sisvarwas
silicon factor (Ferreira,
analyzed2011).
by comparison
material and its palatability, was measured
of means using the Tukey test at 5% probability with the statistical software Sisvar (Ferreira, 2011).
according to the methodology established by
the Instituto Adolfo Lutz (1985). Results and Discussion
Results
The and
dataDiscussion
were tested for normality The different electrical conductivity
of residuals (Kolmogorov-Smirnov) and
The different electrical conductivity levelslevels significantly
significantly affected
affected the number the number
of fruits of fruit
and fresh
homogeneity of variances (Shapiro-Wilk). fruits and fresh fruit mass (p<0.01) (Figures
mass (p<0.01)
Subsequently, (Figures of
analysis 2 A variance
and C). With
wassilicon application, the mean increases for these variables
2 A and C). With silicon application, the mean
corresponded
performed with tothe
13.46 and 13.88%
F-test (FiguresThe
(P < 0.05). 2 B andincreases
D). for these variables corresponded to
electrical conductivity factor was analyzed by 13.46 and 13.88% (Figures 2 B and D).

(A) (B)
250 Y = 94.80 + 17.82*x R2 = 0.95 180

170 a
Nunber of fruits per plant
Nunber of fruits per plant

200
160
150
150 b

100 140

50 130

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si
Silicon application
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1)

(C) (D)
1000 Y = 585.18 + 45.50*x R2 = 0.90 800 a
Fresh masses of fruits (g per plant)
Fresh masses of fruits (g.plant )
-1

900 775

800 750

725
700
700 b
600
675
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si

Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1) Silicon application

Figure 2. Number of fruits per plants (A and B) and fresh fruits mass (C and D) of cherry tomato
Figure 2. Number of fruits per plants (A and B) and fresh fruits mass (C and D) of cherry tomato grown
grown under fertigation as a function of different electrical conductivity levels without and with Si.
under fertigation as a function of different electrical conductivity levels without and with Si.

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For the number of fruits and fresh fruit mass (Figures 2 A end C) under different 1303
electrical
conductivity levels via fertigation, the data fit an increasing linear model, with a maximum production of
 Sousa, R. M. V. et al.

For the number of fruits and fresh et al., 2015), rice (Yan et al., 2020) and purple
fruit mass (Figures 2 A end C) under different coneflower (Khorasaninejad & Hemmati,
electrical conductivity levels via fertigation, 2020).
the data fit an increasing linear model, with a
The dry mass of fruits, leaves, roots,
maximum production of 204.72 fruits per plant
and total dry mass (Figures 3 A, C, E, and G)
and a mean fresh fruit mass of 885.18 g.
was significantly affected (p<0.01) by the EC
The literature reports reductions in levels tested regardless of silicon application
tomato yield caused by high EC levels in the in the nutrient solution. Moreover, the shoot
solution. For example, Amjad et al. (2019) dry mass showed a significant interaction
observed reductions in tomatoes grown between silicon application and EC, as seen
under salt stress conditions, and mean EC in Figure 3 I. The variables mentioned above
levels ranging from 4.4 to 4.5 dS m-1 have been showed mean increases of 15.79, 22.45, 56.15,
reported in other studies on the crop cycle and 18.97%, respectively (Figure 3 B, D, F, and
of tomato (P. R. F. Medeiros, Duarte, Uyeda, H), under fertigation with silicon compared to
Silva, & Medeiros, 2012; Boari, Donadio, the treatment without this element regardless
Pace, Schiattone, & Cantore, 2016). Tomato of the EC level.
is considered moderately sensitive to salinity,
The dry mass of fruits, leaves, stems,
with a threshold tolerance of 2.5 dS m-1 from
roots, total dry mass, and shoot dry mass (Figure
which the yield is reduced per unit increase in
3) was positively influenced by fertigation
the EC. However, tolerance may vary due to
with silicon, favoring the phytotechnical
factors that can be either intrinsic (genotype,
parameters and the yield of tomato fruits and
cultivar, species, etc.) or external to the plant
agreeing with fresh fruit mass (Figure 2). Other
(climate, management, etc.) and related to the
studies have also addressed the benefits of
phenological stage and duration of salt stress
Si in tomato. From this perspective, Marodin
exposure (Boari et al., 2016).
(2011) reported significant leaf dry mass gains
The increase in the studied variables in tomato as a function of Si uptake by roots
(Figures 2 B and D) due to the addition of silicon and translocation to the leaves. In another
is related to the numerous benefits of this study, Savvas and Natatsi (2015) observed
element by increasing crop yield, resistance significant dry mass gains in sweet corn,
against pests and diseases, and mitigating cucumber, and tomato fertigated with silicon.
the effects of potentially toxic heavy metals, It should be noted that silicon application
salt stress, and water deficit, among others influenced the total dry mass of tomato,
(Rodrigues, Oliveira, Korndörfer, & Korndörfer, increasing its production by 18.97% (Figure
2011). The results of the present study are 2H). In that case, silicon acts secondarily by
consistent with Marodin (2011), who observed favoring plant development and dry mass
increased shoot fresh mass and number of accumulation.
fruits in tomato plants. Overall, the beneficial
Similar results have been found by
effect of Si under abiotic stress conditions
Braga et al. (2009), who observed an increase
have also been observed in other crops, e.g.,
in the total dry mass of the commercial
strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) (Braga
tomato hybrid Raf fertigated with Si sources.
et al., 2009), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) (Galati

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 Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry tomato under...

In another study, AL-Huqail, Alqarawi, Hashem, ammoniacal stress conditions, corroborating

Malik, & ABD_Allah (2017) observed that Si the plant growth results of the present study.
supplementation using potassium silicate (2 Thus, the positive production results obtained
mM L ) in Acacia gerrardiim Benth favored
-1
with cherry tomato in the presence of Si
increased the total dry mass by 12.57% (Figures 2 and 3) confirm the important role
and the root dry mass by 20.70%. G. B. D. of this nutrient in plant-environment relations
providing better conditions for the crop to withstand climatic,
Silva et al. (2019) also observed that 2 mmol edaphic,better
by providing and biological adversities,
conditions increasing
for the crop
L of Si increased the root and shoot dry
-1
to withstand climatic, edaphic, and biological
its production quality.
mass of yellow passion fruit seedlings under adversities, increasing its production quality.

(A) (B)
500 320
Y = 120.85 + 44.71*x R2 = 0.95 a

Dry masses of fruits (g per plant)

Dry masses of fruits (g.plant )
-1

400 300

300
280
b
200
260
100
240
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si
-1
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m ) Silicon application

(C) (D)
70 Y = 27.82 + 4.60*x R2 = 0.87
50 a
Dry masses of leaves (g per plant)
Dry masses of leaves (g.plant )
-1

60 45

50 b
40
40
35
30
30
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si

Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1) Silicon application

(E) (F) continue...

250 Y = 85.23 + 17.43*x R2 = 0.89 200
b
Dry masses of root (g.plant )
-1

180
Dry masses of root (g plant)

200
160
150
140
a
100 120
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100 maio/jun. 2022 1305
50
80
 40

Dry masses o

Dry masses of
35
30
30
0 0 Sousa, R. M. V. et al.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si

Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1) Silicon application

continuation...
(E) (F)
250 Y = 85.23 + 17.43*x R2 = 0.89 200
b
Dry masses of root (g.plant )
-1

180

Dry masses of root (g plant)

200
160
150
140
a
100 120

100
50
80
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si

Silicon application
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1)
(G) (H)
1400 2 1200
Y = 771.57 + 75.87*x R = 0.92
1300

Total dry mass (g per plant)

a
Total dry mass (g.plant )

1125
-1

1200
1100
1050
1000
900
975 b
800
700 900
0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si
-1
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m ) Silicon application

(I)
800 Without silicon
With silicon
Shoot dry mass (g.plant )
-1

600 2
Y = 230.80 + 66.81*x R =0.92

400

200
2
Y = 231.06 + 54.45*x R =0.96
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1)

Figure 3. Dry mass of fruits (A and B), leaves (C and D), roots (E and F), total dry mass (G and H), and
Figure
shoot3. dry
Drymass
mass (I),
ofoffruits (A tomato
cherry and B), grown
leaves under
(C andfertigation
D), roots (E
as and F), totalofdry
a function mass (G
different and H), and
electrical
shoot dry mass (I), of cherry tomato grown
conductivity levels without and with Si. under fertigation as a function of different electrical conductivity
levels without and with Si.

1306 With regard to the Semina: Ciênc. Agrár. Londrina, v. 43, n. 3, p. 1297-1316, maio/jun. 2022
essentiality of certain elements for plant development, although silicon is not
considered essential for crop development, its beneficial effects are widely reported (Marschner, 1995) as an
Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry tomato under...

With regard to the essentiality of certain high salt concentrations in solution have
elements for plant development, although been largely restricted to monocotyledons
silicon is not considered essential for crop considered to be Si accumulators (>1.0% of
development, its beneficial effects are widely Si in dry matter). Studies on the efficiency
reported (Marschner, 1995) as an attenuator of silicon absorption in plants still have no
of abiotic stress. The most prevalent use of conclusive results. However, other studies
Si in agriculture is its application as a fertilizer, have highlighted the efficient CO2 assimilation
common in rice and sugarcane, promoting in CAM plants of the family Poaceae, with
significant gains in yield. high rates of Si uptake and conversion.
Nonetheless, it has been widely reported that
The increased dry mass values under
the exogenous supply of Si to crops such as
fertigation with silicon are due to the hypothesis
cucumber, zucchini, beans, tomato, and roses
that the increase in the photosynthetic rate
improves their growth and yield (Li et al., 2018;
stimulated by Si in the plant tissue improve
Campos et al., 2020). In this scenario, due
the uptake and mobility of macro and
to the gains in yield, Si has been used as a
micronutrients essential for plant development
vegetable biostimulant through fertigation in
(Safdar et al., 2019; Campos et al., 2020). From
modern agriculture.
this perspective, it is suggested that, due to its
structural role, Si promotes the formation of a There was an increasing linear
physical layer on the leaves that helps reduce response for the variables of fruit dry mass,
perspiration while favoring the maintenance leaf dry mass, root dry mass, and total dry
of stomatal opening, thus contributing to the mass under high EC levels (Figures 3 A, C, E,
stability of the photosynthetic process under and G). As the levels in fertigation increased,
abiotic stress conditions (Ma & Yamaji, 2006). these variables increased by 36.99, 16.53,
20.45, and 9.83% per unit increase in salinity.
Tomato is classified as a non-Si
Therefore, the EC levels up to 6 dS m-1 caused
accumulator (< 0.5% of Si in dry matter) due
no negative effects on these variables,
to the low concentration of this element in
confirming that this species has mechanisms
the plant tissue (Mitani & Ma, 2005). However,
of tolerance to the EC levels used in this study.
studies have revealed that Si can increase
Similar results were observed by Pailles et
the growth and production of cherry tomato
al. (2019), who evaluated rustic species of
(Toresano-Sánchez, Valverde-García, &
tomato (accessions S. cheesmaniae and S.
Camacho-Ferre, 2012) and improve the
galapagense) and found higher efficiency and
photosynthetic activity of tomato plants (Cao,
ability of these species to maintain growth
Ma, Zhao, Wang, & Xu, 2015), including under
(based on dry mass) during salt stress under
salt stress conditions (Zhu & Gong, 2014). Thus,
high electrical conductivity (15 dS m-1 for 10
these results elucidate that the regulation of Si
days), compared to commercial varieties (S.
in non-accumulating plants such as tomatoes
lycopersicum).
is also important, especially in studies with
high EC levels under fertigation. The interaction for shoot dry mass
observed between Si and EC (Figure 3 I)
Current investigations on the mitigating
suggests that the excess of fertilizer salts is
effects of Si on salt stress in plants through
also attenuated when using Si, thus allowing

Semina: Ciênc. Agrár. Londrina, v. 43, n. 3, p. 1297-1316, maio/jun. 2022 1307

 Sousa, R. M. V. et al.

the use of nutrients available to plants without mediated by the enzymatic and non-enzymatic
compromising their development, as observed antioxidant defense system (Abdelaal,
in the results obtained for total dry mass Mazrou, & Hafez, 2020). Furthermore, silicon
(Figure 3 G). Therefore, the plants subjected fertilization also influences plant architecture
to the EC factor fertigated with potassium and increases leaf exposure to light, thus
silicate showed superiority at all EC levels favoring photosynthesis (Siddiqui et al., 2018).
compared to the absence of Si. Fertigation
With regard to the chemical quality
with silicon increased the shoot dry mass
of fruits, a significant quadratic response
by 11.7% at the highest salinity level (Figure
(p<0.01) was observed for pH and TSS under
3I). Moreover, silicon application contributes
high EC levels (Figure 4 A and C), whereas
to the homeostasis of elements, favors gas
there was a significant interaction between
exchange attributes and osmotic adjustment,
EC and Si addition for TA (Figure 4 E). In the
regulates the synthesis of compatible solutes,
presence of Si, the TSS and TSS/TA ratio
and stimulates antioxidant enzymes and gene
increased by 11.67 and 31.33% (Figure 4 D
expression in plants (Li et al., 2018). In addition,
and F), respectively.
Si application reduces sodium uptake and
translocation of (Na+) and increases the Characteristics such as pH, TSS, and
uptake and translocation of K+ under salt TA are important quality parameters for the
stress. However, these mechanisms vary fresh fruit market and the processing industry
according to the species, genotype, growth (Leogrande, Lopedota, Montemurro, Vitti, &
conditions, and stress duration, among other Ventrella, 2012). These results suggest that
factors (Rios, Martínez-Ballesta, Ruiz, Blasco, & Si contributes to water loss and is one of the
Carvajal, 2017). main causes of tissue deterioration, resulting
in appearance changes and loss of texture and
More specifically, it is known that high
nutritional value (Carneiro, Souza, Rodrigues, &
EC levels confer salinity to the solution, and
Mapeli, 2015). Fertigation with Si reduced fruit
one of the factors that contribute to mitigating
transpiration and significantly contributed to
salt stress and favors the accumulation of
fruit quality (Figures 4 D and F). Similar results
plant biomass is the deposition of Si in the form
were observed by Cliff, Li, Toivonen and Ehret.
of phytoliths or silica in different plant organs.
(2012) and Costan et al. (2020) for the variables
Under saline conditions, such as those caused
of total soluble solids (°Brix) and titratable
by Na+, the deposition of this element can be
acidity (%) in studies conducted with tomato, in
observed below the cell walls, in which the Si
which Si positively contributed to these traits.
molecules bind to Na+ and allow an increase
Furthermore, when analyzing the efficacy of
in K+ uptake and a reduction in Na+ transport
Si application in strawberry, Figueiredo et al.
to the upper regions of the plant (Khan et al.,
(2010) reported increased contents of total
2019). In turn, the ionic balance is favored, and,
sugars and glucose, indicating a higher ºBrix
at the slightest sign of stress, plants emit more
content in the fruit pulp, corroborating the
effective responses, e.g., eliminating reactive
present study.
oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide
(H2O2) and hydroxyl (OH+), and other responses

1308 Semina: Ciênc. Agrár. Londrina, v. 43, n. 3, p. 1297-1316, maio/jun. 2022

Silicon increases the production and quality of cherry tomato under...

(A) (B)
(A)
(A) (B)
(B)
6.0 Y = 5.23 + 0.370*x - 0.057*x222 R222 = 0.92 6.0
6.0
6.0 Y== 5.23
Y 5.23 ++ 0.370*x
0.370*x-- 0.057*x
0.057*x R R == 0.92
0.92 6.0
6.0
5.9 5.9
5.9
5.9 5.9
5.9
5.8 a
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8 aa
5.8
5.7 5.7
5.7
5.7 5.7
5.7
5.6 5.6 b
5.6
5.6 5.6 bb
pH

5.6

pH
pH
pH

5.5

pH
pH
5.5
5.5 5.5
5.5
5.5
5.4 5.4
5.4
5.4 5.4
5.4
5.3 5.3
5.3
5.3 5.3
5.2 5.3
5.2
5.2 5.2
5.2
5.2
0.0 0.0
0.0
0.0 0.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 0.0
00 11 22 33 44 55 66 Without Si With Si
Without Si
Without Si With Si
With Si
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1
-1)
-1 Silicon application
Electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity levels
levels (dS
(dS m
m )) Silicon application
Silicon application

(C) (D)
(D)
(C)
(C) (D)
7.0 7.0
7.0
7.0 Y = 5.361 + 0.505*x - 0.0573*x222 R222 = 0.67 7.0
7.0
6.8 Y== 5.361
Y 5.361 ++ 0.505*x
0.505*x-- 0.0573*x
0.0573*x R
R == 0.67
0.67 6.8 a
6.8
6.8 6.8
6.8 aa
6.6 6.6
6.6
6.6 6.6
6.6
6.4 6.4
6.4
6.4 6.4
6.4
6.2 6.2
6.2
(°Brix)

6.2 6.2
(°Brix)

6.2 b
(°Brix)

6.0
(°Brix)
(°Brix)

(°Brix)

6.0
6.0 6.0 bb
5.8 6.0
6.0
5.8
5.8 5.8
TSS

5.8
5.8
TSS

5.6
TSS
TSS

5.6
TSS
TSS

5.6
5.6 5.6
5.6
5.4 5.4
5.4
5.4 5.4
5.4
5.2 5.2
5.2
5.2 5.2
5.0 5.2
5.0
5.0 5.0
5.0
5.0
0.0 0.0
0.0
0.0 0.0
0.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Without Si With Si
00 11 22 33 44 55 66 Without Si
Without Si With Si
With Si
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1
-1)
-1 Silicon application
Electrical conductivity
Electrical conductivity levels
levels (dS
(dS m
m )) Silicon application
Silicon application

(E) Without silicon

Without silicon
silicon (F)
(F)
(E)
(E) Without
With silicon (F)
With silicon
With silicon
30
0.40 Y = 0.268 + 0.0618*x - 0.0136*x222 R222 = 0.88 30
30
0.40
0.40 Y== 0.268
Y 0.268 ++ 0.0618*x
0.0618*x-- 0.0136*x
0.0136*x R R == 0.88
0.88 a
0.36 aa
0.36
0.36 25
25
25
0.32
0.32
0.32
b
TSS/TA

20
(%)

0.28 bb
TSS/TA
TSS/TA

20
(%)

0.28 20
(%)

0.28
TAA

0.24
TAA
TAA

0.24
0.24
15
0.20 15
15
0.20
0.20
0.16
0.16
0.16 Y = 0.143 + 0.096*x - 0.015*x222 R222 = 0.57 10
Y== 0.143
Y 0.143 ++ 0.096*x
0.096*x-- 0.015*x
0.015*x R R == 0.57
0.57 10
10
0.00 0
0.00
0.00
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 00
Without Si With Si
00 11 22 33 44 55 66 Without Si
Without Si With Si
With Si
Electrical conductivity levels (dS m-1 )
Electricalconductivity
Electrical conductivity levels
levels (dS m-1-1))
(dS m Silicon application
Silicon application
Silicon application

Figure 4. 4.
Figure pHpH (A(A
and B),B),
and total soluble
total solids,
soluble solids,TSS
TSS (C
(Cand
and D),
D), titratable
titratable acidity,TA
acidity, TA(E),
(E), and
and TSS/TA ratio
TSS/TA ratio(F)
Figure
(F)of 4.
of cherry pH
cherrytomato (A and
tomatofruitsB), total
fruitsgrown soluble
grownunder solids, TSS
underfertigation
fertigation(C and
as D), titratable acidity, TA (E), and TSS/TA ratio (F)
of cherry tomato fruits grown under fertigation as
as aa afunction
function
function of
of
ofdifferent
different
different
electrical
electrical
electrical
conductivity
conductivity
conductivity levels
levels
levels without
without andSi.
and with with Si.
without and with Si.

The increment in the Ciênc.

Semina: EC levels negatively
Agrár. Londrina, v. 43, n.affects the chemical
3, p. 1297-1316, 1309
quality of fruits, reducing
maio/jun. 2022 the pH
The increment in the EC levels negatively affects the chemical quality of fruits, reducing the pH
-1 -1
and
and TSS
TSS variables
variables from
from the
the levels
levels ofof 3.24
3.24 dSdS m m-1-1 and
and 4.404.40 dSdS mm-1-1 (Figure
(Figure 44 A A and
and C),
C), respectively.
respectively. The
The
 Sousa, R. M. V. et al.

The increment in the EC levels Similar results were obtained by Tesfay,

negatively affects the chemical quality of Bertling and Bower (2011), Nascimento et al.
fruits, reducing the pH and TSS variables (2013), and Silva, Medeiros, Santos, & Gomes
from the levels of 3.24 dS m-1 and 4.40 dS m-1 (2013), who observed the influence of silicon
(Figure 4 A and C), respectively. The addition on the production and quality of fruits grown
of salts promotes an osmotic effect. However, under salinity, positively influence the TSS/
when this effect exceeds the tolerance level TA ratio. In another study, Zushi and Matsuzoe
of plants, there may be functional disorders in (2017) evaluated variables referring to the
the gas exchange and nutritional imbalance, quality of tomato fruits (TSS, pH, TA, and the
which can be observed in the reduction of fruit TSS/TA ratio) and observed a significant
chemical quality at the highest EC levels due correlation with the increase in salinity levels,
to the accumulation of salts. Similar results identifying positive effects related to these
were reported by Dias et al. (2010), in whose characteristics when plants were subjected
study, the increase in the salinity of the nutrient to treatments with a silicon source. The
solution decreased the chemical quality of results mentioned above confirm that Si has
melon fruits. a beneficial effect on the growth parameters
of tomato plants fertigated with solutions
Figures 4 A shows the reduction in fruit
with high nutrient concentrations and,
pulp pH as the EC levels increased from 3.24
consequently, high electrical conductivity.
dS m-1. Regardless of the EC, the Si added
to the culture medium moderately reduced
the pH compared to tomato cultivation in the
Conclusions
absence of this element (Figure 4 B).
A similar situation was observed Silicon supplementation increases the
by Figueiredo et al. (2010), who observed root and shoot dry mass and improves the
pH reductions in the pulp of strawberries fruit quality of cherry tomato. Silicon increases
fertigated with Si, thus increasing pulp acidity. cherry tomatoes production regardless of the
This attribute is desirable for fruits intended electrical conductivity level.
for fresh consumption, in which case, a slightly
acidic pH is more acceptable (Figueiredo et
al., 2010). In this study, the titratable acidity
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