Compositions of wheat grain carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and protein under two silicon fertilisers and drought

Wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.,2 n = 6 x = 42; AABBDD) is a leading global commodity crop, and its grain yield and quality are severely affected by drought stress. Silicon (Si) fertilization reportedly enhanced drought tolerance and grain yield and quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two Si fertilizer formulations on the compositions of wheat grain carbon (C), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and protein content (GPC) under drought. Twenty wheat genotypes were evaluated for the abovementioned nutrient contents under drought with liquid and granular silicon formulations. Under drought and granular Si application, 14 genotypes showed improved C% and GPC%, 12 for N% and 18 for Si contents. Relatively higher C% was recorded with granular Si for genotype MC17 (41.17%) under drought and MC14 (42.19%) under non-drought conditions. Genotype MC5 recorded relatively higher grain N (2.88%) and GPC% (16.41%) under drought and with granular Si. Sulfur content was genotype-independent and not affected by Si application. Overall, the current study revealed that the grain content of wheat for C, N and GPC was genotype-dependent and influenced by granular Si application under drought stress. Hence, Si application may contribute to grain quality improvement and drought-stress management.