Resumen:
This study investigates the protective role of silicon (Si) on growth performance, nutrient homeostasis, and C:N:P stoichiometric
of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) seedlings under aluminum (Al) stress in hydroponic conditions. Experiments were
conducted as a factorial scheme (2 × 2) in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with four replications, for each
sugarcane cultivar (“CTC9002” and “CTC9003”). They were grown in pots filled with normal Clark nutrient (pH = 5.8
without Al) and acidic Clark nutrient solution (pH = 4.5 with 15 mg L−
1 of Al, as aluminum sulfate [
Al2 (
SO4)3·18H2O]) in
the absence or presence of Si (2 mM, as potassium silicate (
K2SiO3). Sugarcane seedlings of both cultivars grown under Al
stress alone significantly decreased root, culm, and leaf dry biomass, and this adverse effect was reversed by Si supplementation.
Added Si also modified nutrient homeostasis of both sugarcane cultivars, and these effects varied depending on plant
organs. Si decreased the concentration of C, N, and P and correspondingly increased C:N, C:P, and N:P stoichiometric. In
addition, both sugarcane cultivars had a positive response to Si supplementation, but cultivar “CTC9003” is more recommended
under added Si to ameliorate the detrimental effects caused by Al toxicity. The findings of this study indicate that
Si promoted attenuation of Al-stressed sugarcane seedlings by regulating nutrient and homeostasis stoichiometric, leading
to improve dry biomass production.
