Nano-silicon enhances salt tolerance in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): integrating morphological, physiological, and gene expression responses
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION, ss.1-10, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/01904167.2026.2729344
- Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Environment Index, CAB Abstracts
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-10
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Salinity stress is a major abiotic constraint limiting plant growth and productivity, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study investigates individual and combined effects of irrigation water salinity (tap water (control), 1.5, 3, 4.5 dS m−1) and foliar nano-silicon (NanoSi) application (0, 50, 100, and 150 ppm) on the morphological, physiological, and molecular responses of Capsicum annuum under controlled climate-chamber conditions. Salinity stress (4.5 dS m−1) reduced shoot dry weight by 60%, plant height by 45%, and SPAD values by 35%, while increasing membrane damage by 50%. NanoSi application partially alleviated salinity-induced reductions in growth and physiological performance, with 100 ppm showing marked numerical improvements under severe salinity. Transcriptional analysis revealed dose and time dependent upregulation of stress-responsive genes (CabZIP25, CaFAF1, CaSBP12, CaSOD, CaCAT2, and CaPOD), with peak expression (up to 200-fold) occurring under 4.5 dS m−1 + 100 ppm NanoSi treatment in the first sampling. Notably, repeated NanoSi exposure was associated with prolonged transcriptional activation, with CaCAT2 expression increasing up to 200-fold even under non-saline conditions at the second sampling. Correlation analysis revealed strong relationships among morphological and physiological traits. These findings indicate that 100 ppm NanoSi can enhance antioxidant responses, membrane stability, and stress-responsive regulatory processes, highlighting its potential for improving pepper tolerance under saline conditions.