Synergistic Effects on Silicon and Selenium on Growth, Yield and Protein Content in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Grown in Coastal Saline Soil

Abstract

Salinity stress severely limits pulse productivity in coastal agro-ecosystems by inducing ionic imbalance and oxidative damage. Although silicon and selenium are known to enhance plant stress tolerance individually, information on their combined application under coastal saline soil conditions is limited. A pot experiment was conducted during January to April 2024 at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India, to evaluate the interactive effects of silicon and selenium on growth, yield and protein content of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.). Treatments consisted of graded levels of silicon and selenium applied individually and in combination along with recommended dose of fertilizers. The combined application of selenium at the rate of 2 ppm and silicon at the rate of 50 kg ha⁻¹ significantly improved plant height, dry matter production, nodulation, yield attributes and grain yield (1224 kg ha⁻¹) compared to control. Protein content and protein yield were also maximized under the same treatment. The improved performance may be attributed to enhanced nutrient uptake, improved physiological efficiency and alleviation of salinity-induced stress. The study highlights the synergistic role of silicon and selenium in improving productivity and grain quality of blackgram under coastal saline soil conditions.