Effect of silicon nanoparticles on some physiological parameters of saffron corm (Crocus sativus)

Silicon nanoparticles have distinctive physicochemical characteristics. They are able to enter into plants and impact the metabolisms of plants as well as improve plant growth and yield under unfavorable environmental conditions. This research was done in order to study the physiological effects of nanosilicon on Crocus sativus corm. The corms were treated with silicon nanoparticles in concentrations of 0, 9 and 18 mg L−1. The experiment was done as completely randomized design in three replicates. The results showed that nano-silicon treatment increased content of silicon, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium contents in plants but did not affect the fresh and dry weight as well as protein content, significantly. Moreover, the number of daughter corms, malondialdehyde and proline content significantly increased in nano-silicon treated plants as compared to non-treated control. The maximum content of total phenolics and flavonoid content were observed in plants treated with 9 and 18 mgL-1 respectively. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the examined concentrations of silicon nanoparticles can increase saffron corm nutrient content, its capacity of antioxidant system by the production of secondary metabolites.