Agronomic response of cauliflower to the addition of silicon to the soil under water deficit1

ABSTRACT Water deficit in cauliflower cultivation may impair its development and yield. This study aimed to analyze the agronomic performance of grown a protected environment, under different water conditions silicon (Si) doses. The experiment was arranged randomized block design, 3 x 4 factorial scheme, with three levels replacement [40, 70 100 % evapotranspiration (ETc)] four Si doses (0, 50, 150 kg ha-1), replications. Leaf (SPAD index, area, fresh dry weight), stem (diameter, height, weight) inflorescence weight, content commercial classification) characteristics were evaluated. 40 ETc showed lower results for SPAD index phases II III, leaf weight diameter. yield similar that ETc. use beneficial productive at all replacement.