Effect of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid on growth, yield and quality of tomato

Introduction

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an edible berry that is commonly grown and consumed as a vegetable. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and has a chromosome number of 2n = 24. The crop originated in the Andean region of South America (Peralta and Spooner, 2007) [12] . Owing to its high nutritional value, wide adaptability, and economic importance, tomato is one of the most extensively cultivated vegetable crops in the world. Tomato is a highly nutritious vegetable crop, valued for its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute significantly to human health. It serves as an important source of carbohydrates, mainly in the form of natural sugars and starches, and contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Tomato is an important ingredient in many cuisines and is valued as a rich source of vitamins A and C, along with natural antioxidants (Dorais et al., 2008) [6] . Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed vegetable crops worldwide and is an important source of income for millions of farmers. India ranks second in global tomato production, with an area of about 8.55 lakh ha and a production of approximately 206 lakh tonnes.

Madhya Pradesh is the leading tomato-producing state, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Bihar (Anonymous, 2024) [3] . Tomato is a warm-season crop that grows well under a wide range of climatic conditions, with optimum growth and fruit development occurring at 21-27 °C. High temperatures during flowering can reduce pollen viability, increase flower drop, and impair fruit set, leading to lower yields (Abdel-Zaher et al., 2023) [1] . The rising demand for tomato and the challenges of climate change highlight the need for sustainable production practices. Silicon application can enhance plant growth, improve tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and increase fruit yield and quality. Therefore, evaluating silicon-based fertilizers is important for developing sustainable and resilient tomato production systems.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted at the instructional farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. PDKV Akola, during the summer season of 2025-26.

Planting Materials:

The seeds of tomato were obtained from private sector which was hybrid and planted at 60 × 45 cm. Broad bed furrow method was used for transplanting of seedling. Seedlings were transplanted in the month of February in open-field condition. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and eight treatments viz., T 1 (foliar application of calcium silicate-1%), T 2 (foliar application of calcium silicate-1%), T 3 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-0.5%), T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%), T 5 (foliar application of amorphous silica-0.2%), T 6 (foliar application of amorphous silica-0.4%), T 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%), T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%), T 9 (Control-water spray). The selected data were statistically analyzed by Panse and Sukhatme (1967). The standard error and critical difference at a 5% significance level were computed to evaluate the differences between treatment means.

Results and Discussion

The data regarding plant height as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizer and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 1. Among the treatments the foliar application of amorphous silica-0.2% (T 5 ) resulted in the maximum plant height, recording a height (127.42 cm). It was found at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%) and T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%). In contrast, the control treatment (T 9 ) exhibited the minimum plant height, with a recorded value of 125.20 cm. The increased plant height may be attributed to the higher availability, which promotes cell division and elongation, enhances photosynthetic activity, and improves nutrient absorption. Similar finding was reported by Alsaeedi et al. (2019) [2] and Prasad et al. (2022) [14] .

Number of branches plant -1

The data presented in Table 1 indicates that the foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid significantly influenced the number of branches plant -1 . Among the treatments, the highest number of branches (12.80) was recorded in plants treated with foliar application of amorphous silica-0.2% (T 5 ), whereas the control treatment (T 9 ) exhibited the lowest number of branches (9.67). This improvement may be attributed to the higher availability of silicon, which improved plant vigor by strengthening tissues and reducing stress, thereby promoting the development of lateral branches. The present results are in conformity with Prasad et al. (2022) [14] and Kumari et al. (2025) [10] .

The foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid had a significant effect on the stem diameter were recorded and presented in table 1. Among the treatments the foliar application of amorphous silica-0.2% (T 5 ) resulted in the maximum stem diameter, recording a diameter (20.46 mm) and it was found at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%) and T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%). In contrast, the control treatment (T 9 ) exhibited the minimum stem diameter, with a recorded value of 15.47 mm. This improvement may be due to the better availability of silicon from the amorphous form, which supports stem growth by promoting cell division and strengthening cell walls leading to sturdier stems. These results are in line with the findings of Lob et al. (2023) [11] .

The data in respect of leaf area influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 1. Among the treatments the foliar application of silicic acid-1% (T 8 ) resulted in the maximum leaf area, recording a leaf area of (44.58 cm 2 ) it was found at par with treatment T 5 (foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%), T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%) and T 7 (foliar application of silicic acid-0.5%). In contrast, the control treatment (T 9 ) exhibited the minimum leaf area, with a recorded value of 31.45 cm 2 . The superior leaf development observed may be due to the easy availability of silicon supports chlorophyll formation, enhances photosynthetic activity, resulting in broader and healthier leaves. The similar results were obtained in Jesal et al. (2020) [8] .

The data in respect of root length influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 1. Among the treatments the foliar application of calcium silicate-1% (T 2 ) resulted in the maximum root length, recording a root length of (32.47 cm) it was found at par with treatment T 5 (foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%) and T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%). In contrast, the control treatment (T 9 ) exhibited the minimum root length, with a recorded value of 20.13 cm. The enhanced root growth may be attributed to the combined effects of silicon and calcium, which improved root development and increased the efficiency of water and nutrient uptake, resulting in a stronger root system. The result of present investigation are in agreement with the findings of Jiang et al. (2021) [9] and Dobaria et al. (2023) [5] .

The data in respect of root biomass influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 1. Among the treatments the foliar application of calcium silicate-1% (T 2 ) resulted in the maximum root biomass, recording a root biomass of (16.27 g) it was found at par with treatment T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%), T 5 (foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%) and T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%). In contrast, the control treatment (T 9 ) exhibited the minimum root biomass, with a recorded value of (9.40 g). This improvement may be due to the positive effects of silicon and calcium on root development, which enhanced water and nutrient uptake, leading to a larger root system and increased biomass production. The close review found in González-Moscoso et al. (2022) [7] .

The data regarding average fruit diameter as influenced by foliar application silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 2. The data depicted in Table 2 clearly indicated that, maximum fruit diameter (58.79 mm) was recorded in the foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2% (T 5 ), which was found statistically at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%), T 6 (foliar application of amorphous silica-0.4%) and T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%) respectively. While, the minimum fruit diameter (43.85 mm) was observed in the control treatment (T 9 ). This improvement may be due to the availability of silicon, which promotes cell division and enlargement, resulting in fruits with greater diameter. These results are in line with the findings of Prasad et al. (2022) [14] .

The data regarding average fruit weight as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 2. The data depicted in Table 2 clearly indicated that, the maximum fruit weight (85.98 g) was recorded in treatment T 5 with foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%, which was found statistically at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%), T 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%), T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%), T 2 (foliar spray of calcium silicate-1%) and T 3 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-0.5%) respectively. The minimum average fruit weight (75.31 g) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). This improvement may be due to the positive effect of silicon on photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, which enhanced the supply of assimilates to developing fruits, resulting in higher fruit weight. The similar results in this regard were concluded by Pinedo-Guerrero et al. (2020) [13] and Kumari et al. (2025) [10] .

Number of fruits plant -1

The data regarding number of fruits vine -1 as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 2. The data depicted in Table 2 clearly indicated that, the highest number of fruits plant -1 (27.87) was recorded in treatment T 5 with foliar spray of of amorphous silica-0.2%, which was found statistically at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%), T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%), T 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%), T 2 (foliar spray of calcium silicate-1%) and T 6 (foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.4%) respectively. Whereas, the lowest (21.40) was observed in the control (T 9 ). This response may be attributed to the positive effect of silicon on photosynthesis, which enhanced assimilate production and translocation to reproductive organs, resulting in improved flower retention, better fruit set, reduced flower and fruit drop, and higher fruit number. The above results are in conformity with findings of Prasad et al.

Days to first fruit harvest

The data regarding the days to first fruit harvest as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 2. The data depicted in Table 2 clearly indicated that, the minimum days to first fruit harvest (66.27) was recorded in treatment T 5 with foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%, followed by treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%). Whereas, maximum days required to first fruit harvest (77.53) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). This early harvesting may be due to the beneficial effect of silicon on plant growth and reproductive development, which promoted timely flowering, faster fruit growth, and earlier fruit maturity. The similar results were recorded in Kumari et al. (2025) [10] Yield plant -1 (kg)

The data regarding the yield vine -1 as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 2. Statistically, maximum yield plant -1 (2.40 kg) was recorded in in treatment T 5 (foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%), which was found statistically at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%), T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%) andT 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%), respectively. However, minimum yield plant -1 (1.61 kg) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). The highest fruit yield plant -1 may be attributed to improved photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake, and assimilate translocation, which enhanced fruit set, fruit development, and overall plant productivity.

Corroborative results have also been reported by, Zhang et al. (2024) [19] .

Yield hectare -1 (q)

The data regarding the yield hectare -1 as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 2. The maximum yield hectare -1 (739.70 q) was recorded in treatment T 5 with foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%, which was found statistically at par with treatment T 8 (foliar spray of silicic acid-1%), T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%) andT 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%), respectively. Whereas, minimum yield hectare -1 (497.93 q) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). These results are in line with the findings of Prasad et al. (2022) [14] , Bocharnikova et al. (2023) [4] .

Quality Parameter TSS (°B)

The data regarding the TSS of tomato as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 3. The maximum TSS (5.83 °B) was recorded in in treatment T 8 with foliar spray of silicic acid-1% which was found statistically at par with treatment T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%) and T 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%) respectively. However, Minimum TSS (4.10°B) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). This increase in TSS may be attributed to the positive influence of readily available silicon on photosynthetic activity and fruit metabolism, which favoured the accumulation of soluble sugars in the fruits. This aggress with results of Thimmappa et al., (2021) [18] .

Chlorophyll index (SPAD)

The data regarding the chlorophyll index of tomato leaves as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 3. The maximum chlorophyll index of tomato leaves (57.34) was recorded in in treatment T 8 with foliar spray of silicic acid-1% which was found statistically at par with treatment T 4

(foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%) and T 7 (foliar spray of silicic acid-0.5%) respectively. However, Minimum chlorophyll index of tomato leaves (38.03) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). The higher chlorophyll index may be attributed to the beneficial effect of readily available silicon on chlorophyll formation and maintenance of healthy leaf tissue. Our results are in accordance with the findings of Salim et al. (2021) [16] .

The data regarding the shelf life of tomato as influenced by foliar application of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid were recorded and presented in table 3. The maximum shelf life of tomato (24.00 days) was recorded in in treatment T 3 with foliar spray of potassium silicate-0.5% which was found statistically at par with treatment T 4 (foliar spray of potassium silicate-1%). However, Minimum shelf life of tomato (15.13 days) was recorded in treatment T 9 (Control-Water spray). The extended shelf life may be attributed to the role of silicon in maintaining fruit firmness and delaying the processes associated with ripening, softening and preserving fruit quality for a longer period. Corroborative results have also been reported by Shehata et al. (2018) [17] .

Future scope

Future research should focus on optimizing the source, concentration, and application schedule of silicon fertilizers and silicic acid in tomato. Studies are needed to evaluate their influence on growth, yield, fruit quality, and shelf life across different tomato hybrids. Further investigation on silicon-mediated resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses is warranted. Research on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in silicon uptake and utilization will enhance understanding of its role in crop improvement. Economic analyses and multi-location trials are also essential for developing location-specific recommendations for sustainable tomato production.

Acknowledgement

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. A. P. Wagh, Professor, Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. PDKV, Akola, for his invaluable guidance and support. I am equally thankful to the Department of Vegetable Science, Dr. PDKV, Akola, for providing essential resources and facilities throughout the course of this investigation.

Conclusion

From the above result it can be concluded that, the growth parameter viz., plant height, number of branches plant -1 , stem diameter were found significantly maximum in foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%, leaf area was found maximum in foliar spray of silicic acid-1% and root length (cm) and root biomass (g) were found maximum in foliar spray of calcium silicate-1%. Yield parameter viz., fruit diameter (mm), average fruit weight (g), number of fruits plant -1 , minimum days to first fruit harvest, yield plant -1 (kg), yield hectare -1 (q) was found maximum in foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%. The quality parameter viz., TSS (˚Brix), chlorophyll index (40 and 70 DAT) were recorded significantly maximum in foliar spray of silicic acid-1% and shelf life (days) was found maximum in foliar spray of potassium silicate-0.5%. Considering, the economics of cultivation the highest gross monitory return, net monitory return and benefit cost ratio was obtained in foliar spray of amorphous silica-0.2%.

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