Emphasis will be given to the protective role of Si during (a)biotic stresses and in this context both priming and the effects of Si on endogenous phytohormones will be discussed. In this study the beneficial role of Si on plants will be discussed, by reviewing the available data in the literature. The protective role of Si was initially attributed to a physical barrier fortifying the cell wall (e.g., against fungal hyphae penetration), however, several studies have shown that the action of this element on plants is far more complex, as it involves a cross-talk with the cell interior and an effect on plant metabolism. Additionally, Si ameliorates the vigor of plants and improves their resistance to exogenous stresses. Biogenic silica is also a deterrent against herbivores. Indeed Si alleviates the toxic effects caused by abiotic stresses, e.g., salt stress, drought, heavy metals, to name a few. Si is not considered essential for plant growth and development, however, increasing evidence in the literature shows that this metalloid is beneficial to plants, especially under stress conditions.
2Environmental Research and Innovation Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Esch-sur-Alzette, LuxembourgĮlemental silicon (Si), after oxygen, is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust, which is mainly composed of silicates.1Groupe de Recherche en Physiologie Végétale, Earth and Life Institute - Agronomy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.Marie Luyckx 1 Jean-Francois Hausman 2 Stanley Lutts 1* Gea Guerriero 2*
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