Table 1. Statistical analysis variance of four silicon concentrations on photosynthetic CO₂ assimilation rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf transpirational rate (E) of Saccharum officinarum “GT 42” plants at diurnal and different soil water availabilities.

Treatment (%FC)	Time (h)
	07:00	09:00	11:00	13:00	15:00	17:00
Effect of Si on PN
100–95	NS	**	**	**	NS	NS
80–75	**	**	**	**	**	NS
55–50	**	NS	NS	NS	NS	NS
35–30	NS	NS	NS	NS	NS	NS
Effect of Si on E
100–95	**	**	**	**	NS	**
80–75	**	**	**	**	NS	NS
55–50	**	**	**	**	**	NS
35–30	**	**	**	NS	NS	**
Effect of Si on gs
100–95	**	**	NS	**	**	**
80–75	NS	**	**	**	NS	NS
55–50	NS	NS	NS	NS	NS	**
35–30	NS	NS	**	NS	**	NS

Notes:

The Saccharum officinarum plants were exposed to four soil water conditioNS (control, mild, moderate and severe drought, corresponding to available soil water capacity between 100–95%, 80–75%, 55–50% and 35–30% of the field capacity) and four levels of silicon (0: no Si, 100, 300 and 500 mg L⁻¹, n = 5 for each treatment).

^**Significant variatioNS between Si applicatioNS at specific time of the day for particular soil water field capacity (ANOVA, P < 0.05).

NS, no significant difference.