Effect of silicon on improving salinity tolerance of Taliouine Crocus sativus L.

The aim of this study is to determine and evaluate the silicon effect on saffron under salt stress. Saffron, Crocus sativus L., was grown in different treatments of NaCl in presence and absence of silicon in its soluble form, ortho silicic acid (SiOH)₄. The obtained results showed that the silicon acted positively on biometric and biochemical studied parameters; the number of bulbs was15.24 and 20% more important in treatments of 50 and 100 mM of NaCl, respectively, with silicon compared to those obtained in its absence; silicon increased weights of bulbs by 34% for the treatment of 50 mM NaCl and 8% for the treatment of 100 Mm. Moreover, supplementary Si ameliorated chlorophyll content. In the presence of silicon, the proline content was reduced about 60 and 95% in the bulbs and aerial parts respectively, indicating, the less stressed status of salted plants grown in 100 mM of NaCl and the amount of total sugar enhanced. In conclusion of this study, silicon strengthened the immunity of saffron by reducing the adverse effect of salinity that can make it an ally for the valorization of regions affected by salinity and for the climate change adaptation of this species.