Synergistic effects of silicon and seaweed extract on growth and leaf nutrient content of papaya cv Red Lady

Silicon is crucial in the process of absorbing and transporting nutrients to the plants, which in turn helps to decrease the toxicity of iron (Fe), aluminium (Al), and manganese (Mn). Plants can better endure drought and salt stress because it strengthens their tissues. Seaweed extracts serve as biostimulants and are considered vital nutrients for sustainable agriculture due to their organic nature and ability to decompose naturally. The present study aimed to compare the nutritional content and growth rate of papaya cv. Red Lady after being treated with silicon and seaweed extract. The papaya plants were moved to new spots 1.5m x 1.5m apart. A Factorial Randomised Block Design with nine treatments and three replications was used for the field experiments. At 6, 7, 8, and 9 months after replanting, silicon (potassium silicate at 0.3% and 0.5%) and seaweed extract at 3% and 5% were made through foliar application. The study showed that the plant's height (278.66 cm), stem width (174.8 cm), number of leaves per plant (33.17), petiole length (127.3 cm), and leaf length (123 cm) were all higher in T8 (SE 5%+PS 0.5%) than in T7 (SE 5%+PS 0.3%) or T5 (SE 3%+PS 0.5%). A study of leaf minerals in synchrony showed that the highest levels of N, P, K, S, Ca, and Mg were found in the leaves nine months after the crop was transplanted. Thus , using modest concentrations of silicon and seaweed extracts topically enhances growth, nutritional content in leaves, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, as well as Papaya Ring Spot Virus (PRSV), collar rot, and anthracnose.