Foliar application of silica nanoparticles enhances the growth of grapevines under field conditions - research data

In this study, we tested the influence of foliar application of silica (SiO2) on grapevines at the field scale in Wieliczka Vineyard. The silica particles were efficiently absorbed by the grapevine leaves, and the concentration of silicon was at least three times higher in SiO2-sprayed plants compared to controls. Our study demonstrates a stimulating effect of silica on grapevine plants. The data clearly indicated improved plant performance, characterized by increased photosynthetic activity and enhanced values of the normalized difference vegetation index in plants fertilized with nano-SiO2 during the overall measurement period. The net CO2 assimilation rate, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, and performance index were all increased in SiO2-treated plants. Moreover, we observed delayed senescence of leaves sprayed with silica.