Effect of silicate source on growth of the Lsi2 transgenic plants of chrysanthemum 'Brighton'

The objectives of the present study were to obtain Lsi2 transgenic plants of Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Brighton' using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system and to investigate the effect of Si sources on Si uptake and root growth of the transgenic plants. Furthermore, the transgenic plants were analyzed for the presence of Si bodies in the root and shoot and the effect of Si application of 0, 50, or 100 mg center dot L-1 Si as either CaSiO3, Na2SiO3, K2SiO3, or fumed silicate on the content of mineral elements was determined. The Lsi2 transgenic plant showed increased Si content in the +Si treatment as compared to the control (-Si treatment). Plants supplemented with CaSiO3 had the greatest increased contents in the leaf and root of Ca, Mg, and Fe followed by Na2SiO3, K2SiO3, and fumed silicate. The plant in +Si treatment has shown to develop numerous root hairs which were not found in the -Si treatment. Containment of Si was confirmed specifically in these root hairs, suggesting that these root hairs developed in response to the Si treatment. This study was useful not only for understanding Si uptake, but also for comparing the mineral contents as affected by Si supplementation and source.