Growth Responses of Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. to Different Concentrations of Silicon in Calabar, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Silicon (Si), although, not considered essential for plants, has been shown to have beneficial effects on plant growth, and productivity. This study investigated the impact of silicon on the growth and yield of four varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris L., IT99K-573-1-1 (variety 1), IT99K-573-2-1 (variety 2), IT960-610 (variety 3), and IT97K-499-35 (variety 4). Materials and Methods: A randomized complete block design was used. Five seeds of each variety were sown in polythene bags containing soil and thinned to one after germination. The plants were treated with silicon at 2500, 5000 and 7500 mg, and control, and growth parameters were measured bi-weekly for 10 weeks. Results: The silicon application had a significant positive effect on all growth parameters and shoot biomass. The highest mean plant height and leaf number were observed in IT97K-499-35 (32.18, 13.98 cm), while IT99K-573-2-1 had the highest mean leaf area (65.05 cm²), IT960-610 had the highest mean stem girth (0.47 cm) and IT99K-573-1-1 had the highest mean shoot biomass (44.18 gm‾²). Conclusion: These findings showed that silicon application boosts crop growth parameters and shoots biomass, indicating positive effects. Adding silicon to soil and nutrient medium may enhance P. vulgaris L. and other crop growth and yield.