Directions for future research to use silicon and silicon nanoparticles to increase crops tolerance to stresses and improve their quality

Abstract

Silicon (Si) provides several benefits to plants, especially to those under various stresses, despite being considered nonessential for plant growth and development. From a different perspective, Si can be classified as a “multibeneficial” quasiessential element for plants. In the literature, one can find numerous references on how Si helps plants alleviate biotic and abiotic stresses. However, not much is known of how silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) can help plants develop resistance against abiotic stresses. Previous studies indicate that the molecular mechanisms with which Si and SiNPs improve the growth of plants under different biotic and abiotic stresses need further research. To improve the uptake of Si and SiNPs by plants and thereby the derived benefits, understanding the molecular basis of the uptake and transport of Si and SiNPs within plant tissues is needed. Studies in the literature indicate that NPs may also induce NP toxicity and therefore harm plants. SiNPs may cause oxidative damages, decrease photosynthesis and chlorophyll levels in plants, and hinder seed germination and seedling establishment. This chapter summarizes how Si and SiNPs improve plants’ morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits in response to different biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, the information gaps related to Si and SiNPs in soil and analyzing the current and future aspects of them for the crop productivity are addressed. This chapter provides information that will help direct future research on how better to harness the benefits of Si and SiNPs and develop a more sustainable system for growing crops. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.