Silicon-Mediated Tolerance to Salt Stress

Abstract

Silicon (Si) has widely been reported to increase plant tolerance and/or resistance to salt (salinity) stress, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This chapter reviews the updated knowledge concerning Si and salt (salinity) interactions in higher plants. Based on the current literature, it seems that (1) silica deposited in the apoplast as SiO 2 opal or phytolith can enhance water retention by inhibiting transpirational water loss, thus reducing salt-induced osmotic stress, and (2) soluble Si in the symplast may be actively involved in physiological and biochemical metabolisms by regulating the expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of hormones (ABA and JA etc.), antioxidant defence enzymes, H + -pumps and osmolytes to rebalance ion stoichiometry, reduce membrane permeability, and improve membrane structure and stability, hence improving salt tolerance in plants. However, further work is needed to better understand Si-mediated tolerance and/or resistance to salt stress at the molecular level.

Synergetic Effects of Zinc, Boron, Silicon, and Zeolite Nanoparticles on Confer Tolerance in Potato Plants Subjected to Salinity

“…It was observed that the yield reduction was associated with the reduction of the number, size, and weight of tuber per plant [99]. trials showed that the addition of K2O3Si increased the potato yield by 12.3% [102]. In the case of zinc, application of 1500 ppm of nano-ZnO on corn plants enhanced the yield by 42% as compared to control plants [103].…”

“…On the contrary, supplementary application of Zn, Si, B, and zeolite nanoparticles apparently improve the morphological and physiological attributes and alleviate salt stress [67,101]. In potato, long-term field trials showed that the addition of K 2 O 3 Si increased the potato yield by 12.3% [102]. In the case of zinc, application of 1500 ppm of nano-ZnO on corn plants enhanced the yield by 42% as compared to control plants [103].…”

Nanofertilizer for Precision and Sustainable Agriculture: Current State and Future Perspectives

“…71,74,75 In addition, Si nanoparticles reduce sodium uptake and translocation while increasing potassium uptake and translocation under salt stress. 76,77 Salinity and drought are major challenges in agriculture that limit crop production. Therefore, the beneficial impacts of silica and silicon nanoparticles on plant growth and development can potentially address adverse effects of climate changes, such as uneven rainfall and rising temperatures, that lead to enhanced evaporation of water from the soil surface.…”

Recent Trends in Nano-Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture under Climate Change for Global Food Security

“…Notably, silica NPs also stimulate antioxidant enzymes to support improved seedling growth and tolerance under biotic and abiotic stresses [ 12 , 13 , 78 , 178 , 228 ]. They also inhibit Na uptake and its distribution while enhancing K uptake and accumulation [ 229 , 230 ]. As a result, the favorable effects of Si and Si NPs on plant growth and development may confer an ability to mitigate adverse impacts of climate change in years to come, for example, inconsistent rainfall, elevated or cold temperatures, and excess evaporation from the soil surface [ 78 ].…”