Multidimensional Role of Silicon to Activate Resilient Plant Growth and to Mitigate Abiotic Stress

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural production is critically antagonistic by fluctuating unfavorable environmental conditions. The introduction of mineral elements emerged as the most exciting and magical aspect, apart from the novel intervention of traditional and applied strategies to defend the abiotic stress conditions. The silicon (Si) has ameliorating impacts by regulating diverse functionalities on enhancing the growth and development of crop plants. Si is categorized as a non-essential element since crop plants accumulate less during normal environmental conditions. Studies on the application of Si in plants highlight the beneficial role of Si during extreme stressful conditions through modulation of several metabolites during abiotic stress conditions. Phytohormones are primary plant metabolites positively regulated by Si during abiotic stress conditions. Phytohormones play a pivotal role in crop plants’ broad-spectrum biochemical and physiological aspects during normal and extreme environmental conditions. Frontline phytohormones include auxin, cytokinin, ethylene, gibberellin, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, brassinosteroids, and jasmonic acid. These phytohormones are internally correlated with Si in regulating abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms. This review explores insights into the role of Si in enhancing the phytohormone metabolism and its role in maintaining the physiological and biochemical well-being of crop plants during diverse abiotic stresses. Moreover, in-depth information about Si’s pivotal role in inducing abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants through metabolic and molecular modulations is elaborated. Furthermore, the potential of various high throughput technologies has also been discussed in improving Si-induced multiple stress tolerance. In addition, a special emphasis is engrossed in the role of Si in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and global food security.

Comprehensive Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of Eceriferum (CER) Gene Family in Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) Under Fusarium kyushuense and Drought Stress Conditions

“…BBR-BPC TFs response to cytokinin and control flower development, brassinosteroid signaling, size of stem cells, and seed development (Shanks et al, 2018 ; Theune et al, 2019 ). TCP TFs regulate plant growth, development, and stress response (Li, 2015 ; Danisman, 2016 ; Mir et al, 2022 ). MYB TFs regulate VLCFA biosynthesis, plant development, metabolism, and response to stresses (Raffaele et al, 2008 ; Katiyar et al, 2012b ; Ambawat et al, 2013 ).…”

Plants’ Physio-Biochemical and Phyto-Hormonal Responses to Alleviate the Adverse Effects of Drought Stress: A Comprehensive Review

“…Johann Buchner, a German scientist, first isolated SA from the bark of a Salix species (willow tree) in 1928 and named the glucoside of salicylic alcohol "silicon" [126]. SA is a phenolic molecule generated by secondary metabolism [166]; that plays a role in many biological processes, including CO 2 assimilation, antioxidation, stomatal regulation, and photosynthesis [167,168]. Though SA's role in abiotic and biotic stress has been thoroughly studied, evidence of its impact on drought stress is limited.…”

Plant Nutrition: An Effective Way to Alleviate Abiotic Stress in Agricultural Crops

“…Silicon (Si) is another important beneficial trace element for plant growth as well as abiotic stress alleviation [ 310 , 311 , 312 ]. The application of Si nutrition boosts the antioxidant enzyme production, including SOD, CAT and POD, while reducing ROS generation [ 313 ].…”