Silicon Improves the Tolerance of Wheat Seedlings to Ultraviolet-B Stress

Abstract

Enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) irradiation is one of the most important abiotic stresses that could influence the growth and physiological traits of plants. In this work, we reported the effects of silicon on the growth and physiological characteristics of wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L. cv Hengmai5229) subject to UV-B stress. Treatments with silicon significantly increased total biomass and chlorophyll (a + b) content, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the rate of superoxide radical (O(2) (-) ) production in wheat seedlings subjected to UV-B stress. Silicon treatments also induced an increased in soluble sugar, anthocyanins, and flavonoid content. Leaf silicon concentration increased with the increasing of silicon supply to soil. Positive correlations were found in leaf silicon concentration with total biomass, chlorophyll (a + b), proline, and soluble protein content, respectively. MDA content and the rate of O(2)(-) production were negatively correlated with leaf silicon concentration in seedlings. The results demonstrated that silicon alleviated the damage caused by UV-B on wheat seedlings to some extent by the increase in antioxidant compounds content and leaf silicon concentration.

Effects of Silicon on Maize Photosynthesis and Grain Yield in Black Soils of China

“…It is also associated with positive effects on stomatal conductance and transpiration under isolated and multiple stress conditions (Yao et al, 2011). Although research involving effects of silicon on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in plant are well documented under stress conditions, studies under natural field conditions are limited.…”

Impact of silicon on maize seedlings exposed to short-term UV-B irradiation

“…Its ability to protect plants against the negative impact of environmental stresses, including UV-B stress, has been proved in many papers (reviewed by Ma 2004;Liang 2007). In the presence of excess UV-B radiation, various aspects of plant morphology, biochemistry and physiology can be influenced (Yao et al 2011). In several species, atypical growth patterns, changes in leaf colour and form were reported under UV-B stress (Kakani et al 2003).…”

“…Although UV-B is only a minor component of solar radiation, due to its high energy, even small increases could lead to significant biological damage (Mackerness 2000). UV-B stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses that could influence almost every aspect of biochemistry and physiology of plants and reduce plant fitness and function (Yao et al 2011). Its high photobiological effects on plants result from its absorption by important biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, amino acids and lipids (Hollósy 2002;Kakani et al 2003).…”

“…Silicon application helped to increase total biomass and chlorophyll content, reduced membrane damage and the rate of superoxide radical production in wheat seedlings (Triticum aestivum L.) subjected to UV-B stress (Yao et al 2011). In soybean seedlings (Glycine max L.), increased leaf area and changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes after silicon supplementation were observed (Shen et al 2010a, b).…”

Plants and Light Manipulation: The Integrated Mineral System in Okra Leaves

“…Silica deposition (phytoliths) can occur in any part of the leaf epidermis and in the vascular tissue 9. Phytoliths are thought to play a role in many physiological processes such as reducing radiation damage, regulation of other nutrients, and pathogen resistance 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Silica is often considered to have a structural/defensive function 20, 21, 22.…”