The Mechanistic Insights into Silicon-Enhanced Disease Resistance in Plants
Sreenath Ragiman*
Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI Mega University Nagpur Hub, Maharashtra (441 108), India
Hariharan Selvam
Division of Entomology, ICAR-IARI Mega University Hyderabad Hub, Telangana (500 030), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Host-pathogen interaction, Plant disease resistance, Silicon transporters, SiO2 deposits
Abstract
Silicon, though not essential, is abundant in Earth's crust and boosts plant resistance to fungal pathogens. Plants absorb Si as monosilicic acid (H4SiO4) through both passive and active transport, involving specific transport proteins. Si accumulates in leaves as insoluble SiO2 deposits, creating physical barriers against fungal invasion. Additionally, Si triggers biochemical and molecular defenses, increasing production of defense enzymes and secondary metabolites that enhance plant immunity. This article explores the mechanisms through which Si enhances disease resistance, including improving nutrient uptake, modulating antioxidant defenses and activating local and systemic acquired resistance. It also highlights gaps in the current understanding of Si-mediated defense, calling for more research to uncover the complex interactions between Si and plant biochemical pathways.
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Reference
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