Effects of silicon on the germination,growth and physiology activity of Zea mays L. seedlings under PH stress

Silicon(Si) has a significant function in reducing abiotic stresses on plants. pH stress is one of abiotic stresses. We investigated the effects of silicon on maize seedlings under pH stress. The results showed that incorporation of Si (2.0?mM (mmol)) into pH 3.0 increased the growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, decreased catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content. The combined treatments with Si (8.0?mM) and pH 3.0 decreased the maize growth compare with the single pH (3.0). Incorporation of Si (2.0 or 8.0?mM) into pH 8.0 were obviously unchanged compare with the single pH (8.0). The combined or single effects of Si (2.0 or 8.0?mM) and pH (3.0 or 8.0) on germination percentage were negligible. The application of Si (2.0?mM) could be a better strategy for improving the plant growth and alleviating low pH stress in soil.