Enhancing growth and flowering of tuberose (Agave amica Medik. L. cv. ‘Mexican single’) through integrated soil and foliar applications of silica oxide (SiO2) under tarai conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of silica oxide (SiO₂) applied through both soil and foliar routes on vegetative growth and floral traits of tuberose (Agave amica Medik. L. cv. ‘Mexican Single’). Five soil-application of silica oxide (SiO2) (0, 2.9, 5.9, 8.8, and 11.8 g/m²) with four foliar concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%) were applied in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on vegetative parameters: leaf number, plant height, basal leaf length, and floral parameters: spike diameter, rachis length, and total florets per spike. Results showed that increasing SiO₂ levels in combinations significantly improved all vegetative and floral parameters. The highest values were recorded in the treatment combination of 8.8 g/m² soil + 3% foliar SiO₂. Statistical analysis confirmed highly significant interaction effects between soil and foliar Si levels on most traits. These findings suggest that the integrated application of SiO₂ can enhance the quality and productivity of tuberose flowers.