Atonik and DA-6 enriched nano Silicon fertilizer for growth and phytochemical, and mineral uptake properties enhancement in Zataria multiflora Boiss

The goal of this study was to identify the growth, phytochemical composition, and nutrient uptake of Zataria multiflora using various silicon-based treatments (sodium silicate, DA-6, Atonik and green-synthesized silica-DA6, and silica-Atonik). Three concentrations (1.5, 3, and 6 mM) of each treatment were foliar-applied to thyme seedlings in a randomized complete block design. DA-6 and its nano-silicon complex (nSi-DA6) at 3 and 6 mM significantly increased shoot length and root fresh weight. DA-6 also boosted the inflorescence's fresh weight. Essential oil content increased slightly with several treatments, reaching a maximum of 3.21% with 6 mM nSi-DA6. nSi-Atonik and nSi-DA6 treatments yielded the highest levels of epicatechin and naringenin, while silica nanoparticles, nSi-Atonik, and nSi-DA6 maximized rosmarinic acid content. Silicon content increased in treated plants, but zinc and nitrogen levels remained unaffected. Enhanced growth in silica-treated plants is attributed to improved photosynthesis, transpiration, chlorophyll content, and enzyme activity. Overall, the study demonstrates that silicon-nanocomplexes treatments can positively influence Zataria multiflora growth and phytochemical production, with nSi-DA6 and nSi-Atonik showing particularly promising results.