Role of silicon in alleviating salt-induced toxicity in white clover

To understand the role of silicon (Si) in alleviating sodium (Na) toxicity in Trifolium repens L. (white clover), the changes of biochemical and physiological parameters were investigated in four-week-old white clover seedlings exposed to 0 or 120 mM NaCl with or without 1.5 mM Si for 7 days. Results showed that added Si alone did not have any effects on the growth and Na⁺, K⁺ accumulations in white clover plants compared to the control (no added Si and NaCl). However, in the presence of NaCl, additional Si significantly enhanced the selective transport capacity for K⁺ over Na⁺ that contributed to reduced Na⁺ uptake and increased K⁺ uptake by roots, thereby improving its growth and K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis in white clover. This study would provide a way for improving salt tolerance in important legume white clover forage.