Silicon dioxide-nanoparticle nutrition mitigates salinity in gerbera by modulating ion accumulation and antioxidants

Abstract This work aimed to investigate the interaction between salt stress and application of silicon dioxide-nanoparticles. In this study, gerbera plants grown in soilless culture were supplied with nutrient solutions different NaCl concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 30 mM) combination SiO 2 -NPs spray 25 50 mg · L −1 ). Exposure salinity increased sodium concentration but decreased potassium calcium leaf as well stem length/diameter, fresh/dry weight, leaf/flower number, flower diameter area. It also activities antioxidant enzymes electrolyte leakage. Results indicated that could improve growth, biochemical physiological traits. thickness slightly affected length. Flower was not by rates up 10 mM NaCl. However, a significant difference observed controls treated Salinity leakage (32.5%), malondialdehyde (83.8%), hydrogen peroxide (113.5%), enzyme such ascorbate peroxidase (3.4-fold) guaiacol (6-fold) where activated them more, except for superoxide dismutase. Under (30 mM), increase (especially at ) led uptake Ca 2+ (25.3%) K + (27.1%) absorption Na (6.3%). has potential improving tolerance gerbera. seems sensitivity threshold use is effective non-saline conditions.