The effect of the silicon and aluminum interaction on the physiological parameters of maize

Aluminum and silicon are usually abundant in the soil and most plants are affected by them. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of the interaction of Si (0 and 2 mM) and low concentrations of Al (0, 50, 100, and 150 μM) on some physiological parameters of Zea mays var. Merit were investigated and were analyzed by cluster heatmaps for better interpretation of results. Results showed that application of Al increased the fresh and dry weight of maize, and plant growth rate was increased by increasing Al concentration in treatments. However adding Si to Al-treated plants had no effects on the maize plant biomass. Pigments content of plant increased and decreased in Al treatments and Ai Si treatments, respectively. Also, both Al and Si had negative effect on the activity of antioxidant enzyme and proline content of maize in general. Aluminum treatments mostly enhanced the K and Fe content of plants, but decreased Mg and Ca content. However, adding Si to Al-treated plants reversed this trend. Apparently, Ai and Si have an antagonist effect on the mineral content of the plant. Results of the present study suggested that increasing of the plant pigment content contributes to the enhancing of plant growth rate, and the K content of the shoot in maize has an important role in increasing the plant growth.