Salinity stress amelioration and morpho-physiological growth stimulation by silicon priming and biochar supplementation in Chenopodium quinoa

The effect of silicon (Si) priming and soil amendment with biochar (BC) was analysed in Chenopodium quinoa under normal salinity stressed conditions. Reduced growth parameters, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis stress were significantly ameliorated by Si BC. Applied BC treatment also enhanced the stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, net photosynthesis, maximal photochemical efficiency. In addition to this, and/or amendments alleviated oxidative damage reducing generation toxic reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide superoxide. Moreover, activities antioxidant enzymes content ascorbate glutathione increased treated plants reflecting efficient alleviation damage. Besides, compatible osmolytes seedlings, thereby contributing improved tolerance maintaining higher leaf water potential use uptake key mineral elements. induced decline nutritional components seeds C. considerably treatments.