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This study investigates how combining nano-silicon and Streptomyces albogriseolus affects maize's resilience to salinity stress.

May 29, 2026Open Access

Synergistic application of nano-silicon and Streptomyces albogriseolus enhances maize salinity tolerance by modifying soil silicon fractions and ionic homeostasis

Key Points

This study investigates how combining nano-silicon and Streptomyces albogriseolus affects maize's resilience to salinity stress.
Conducted a factorial pot experiment with three salinity levels and four nano-Si concentrations.
Inoculated maize with or without Streptomyces albogriseolus under controlled conditions.
Measured morphological and physiological traits, along with soil silicon fractions under salinity stress.
Combined application of nano-Si and Streptomyces improved shoot dry weight by 55% and root dry weight by 78% under severe salinity.
Malondialdehyde levels were reduced by 35%, indicating lower oxidative stress in treated plants.
Enhanced ionic homeostasis included a 41% increase in nitrogen, 25% in phosphorus, and 22% in potassium, improving the K/Na ratio.

Abstract

Salinity adversely affects the physiological and biochemical processes in maize (Zea mays L.), leading to significant yield losses. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of nano-silicon (nano-Si) and halotolerant Streptomyces albogriseolus (S. albogriseolus) on the morphological, physiological, biochemical characteristics of maize, and Si fractions under salinity stress. A factorial pot experiment was conducted using three salinity levels (1.4 (control), 5, and 8 dS m−1), four nano-Si concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg kg−1), and inoculation with or without S. albogriseolus. Both nano-Si and S. albogriseolus improved plant performance; however, their combined application produced the strongest mitigation effect. Under severe salinity, co-application of nano-Si and S. albogriseolus increased shoot dry weight (55%), root dry weight (78%), shoot length (51%), and root length (82%), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) (35%), enhanced catalase (CAT) activity, reduced Na accumulation (19%), and restored ionic homeostasis N (41%), P (25%), K (22%), and Si (28%), thereby improving the K/Na ratio. This treatment also enhanced the plant-available soil Si pools (soluble and exchangeable fractions). This integrated approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy for enhancing maize resilience and productivity under saline stress.

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