Foliar application of potassium silicate induces metabolic changes in strawberry plants

The effect of foliar silicon (Si) applications on metabolic changes in strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) was studied. Silicon was used in the form of the potassium (K) salt. Foliar spray with K silicate (containing 0, 4.25, 8.50, 12.75, or 17.00 mm of Si) showed increased chlorophyll content and plant growth. Potassium silicate treatments also induced metabolic changes such as increases in citric acid and malic acid levels, and decreases in fructose, glucose, sucrose, and myo-inositol contents. The treated tissues also had higher ratios of fatty acid unsaturation [(18:2+18:3)/18:1] in glycolipids and phospholipid and elevated amounts of membrane lipids. These results suggest that Si has beneficial effects on strawberry plant metabolism.