Vol. 12, Special Issue 10 (2023)

Author(s):
Sonali Harinkhere, Monika Tikariha, Parminder Singh Saini and Sanjeev Gurjar

Abstract:
Silicon is the second most prevalent element in the universe and the second most prevalent element on Earth after oxygen. Silicon makes up around 25% of the Earth's crust. Since it is found in the crust of the Earth, many plants can acquire it in large quantities comparable to macronutrients. Despite its many advantages in agriculture, silicon is not typically regarded as a crucial component of plants. In nature, silicon is found as silicates and as the oxide (silica), both of which are utilized to make fertilizers. Through its roots, a plant assimilates silicon as silicic acid. It moves to the active growth regions of the plant, where it combines with an organic component to fortify the cell walls. Several studies conducted on hydroponics, pot, and field experiments shows that silicon has positive benefits on plants. In addition to promoting upright growth (stronger, thicker stems, shorter internodes), preventing lodging, promoting favourable leaf exposure to light, providing resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases, and reducing some abiotic stress like temperatures, salinity, heavy metal and aluminium toxicity, silicon increases the growth and yield of all annual and vegetable crops. According to the studies, silicon makes plants more resistant to a variety of plant diseases, including powdery mildew, as well as a variety of insect pests. Under deficit irrigation condition, silicon increases biomass yield. Plants exposed to drought performs well on application of silicon and maintained increased water potential, relative water content, and stomatal conductivity. It encourages the growth of larger, thicker leaves, which limits water loss through transpiration and lowers water use. The development of plant roots is greatly influenced by silicon, which allows for faster root growth and improved root resistance in dry soils.