Silicon fertigation alleviates salinity stress by enhancing morpho-physiological, photosynthetic, antioxidative responses, and yield in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties Co7(Gg) and Co8 under pot and field conditions

Under salt stress, the presence of silicon boosted the production of photosynthetic proteins such Photosystem I, Photosystem II, and light harvesting complexes. In the mung bean, salinity stress also resulted in oxidative damage in the form of superoxide radical (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which raised MDA (lipid peroxidation) and electrolyte leakage. On the other hand, 5 mM sodium silicate has the ability to scavenge free radicals, which lowers electrolyte loss and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Significant silica deposition in the leaf epidermis was associated with this, and in the end, this served as a mechanical barrier to lessen the harmful effects of salt stress. Our simulated investigations, which employed Si as a supplement, indicated that, of all the varieties used in this study, K1 and Co7Gg shown resilience to salt stress, but Co6 and Co8 showed sensitivity. Experiments conducted at the field level on yield and growth provided evidence for the study's findings that Si has a positive impact on salt stress. Si reduced the detrimental effects of salt stress and provided a basic idea for using Si as a fertilizer.