The effect of non-root silicon oxide treatments on the condition of Fancy Babylon Eyes rose shoots in the pre-winter period

Decorative landscaping plays a key role in landscape design. The improvement of urban areas with the planting of decorative plants unusual for northern latitudes, such as garden roses, is aimed at creating the most comfortable conditions for human habitation. However, the introduction of roses in the Udmurt Republic is limited by low winter temperatures. The issue of studying the biochemical mechanisms of plant protection from low temperatures and the possibility of enhancing this protection with the help of chemical treatment, in particular, with silicon-containing preparations, is relevant. The aim of the research is to study the effect of an aqueous solution of silicon (IV) oxide in various concentrations (0.002; 0.004; 0.006; 0.008 %) the structural and functional features and resistance of the Fancy Babylon Eyes rose to low ambient temperatures. For this purpose, annual three-fold (May-June-July) foliar treatment of plants with silicon oxide solution was used during 2019–2021. (control – distilled water treatment). The growth and development of plants during the growing season, the thickness of the epidermis, the content of starch and lipids in the stems in the pre-winter period were studied. Under the influence of non-root treatments, there was a tendency to increase the height of bushes and the number of shoots. Histochemical examination revealed a statistically significant thickening of the epidermis during treatment with all concentrations of the solution, the maximum (by 35.8 and 49.4 %) at concentrations of 0.006 and 0.008 %. An increase in lipids in rose stems was noted only when treated with 0.002 % silicon oxide solution. In order to increase the winter hardiness of rose bushes an aqueous solution of silicon (IV) oxide in concentrations of 0.006 and 0.008% using an annual three-fold foliar treatment should be applied.