Nanosilicon: An approach for abiotic stress mitigation and sustainable agriculture (original) (raw)
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Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 2020
Silicon (Si) can mitigate the deleterious impacts of various types of stresses on field crops. However, the potential of nanosilicon (nano-Si) in improving water stress and the relevant mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, here, we examined the combined impacts of nano-Si and various irrigation regimes on antioxidant systems, osmolytes, photosynthesis-related parameters, and growth of sugar beet in a field trial. Treatments included three supplemental irrigation rates (I 1 , I 2 , and I 3) arranged based on the crop evapotranspiration (100% ET C , 75% ET C , and 50% ET C) and three doses of nano-Si: 0, 1, and 2 mM. Irrigation regime treatments were performed at the six-to eight-leaf stage (49 days after sowing), which continued until the harvest (180 days after sowing). Water stress brought about a detrimental impact on the sugar beet growth, the relative water content of leaves (LRWC), leaf area index (LAI), and photosynthetic performance. In contrast, Water deficiency enhanced hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, which were followed by increasing antioxidant activities and osmolytes. Supplementation of nano-Si at low dose (1 mM) significantly increased chlorophyll contents, net photosynthesis (PN), glycine betaine (GB), flavonols (quercetin and rutin), and enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase). Furthermore, nano-Si at low dose (1 mM) decreased the amount of H 2 O 2 and MDA. Instead, the higher dose (2 mM) of nano-Si exerted toxic effects on severe water-stressed (50% ET C) plants. The parallel increase in MDA and proline contents in sugar beet plants treated with two mM nano-Si along with severe water stress supports the view that proline augmentation presumably is a sign of stress injury instead of stress resistance. Overall, our results imply that nano-Si can play a protecting role in sugar beet plants during water stress by enhancing antioxidants, GB, and flavonols (quercetin and rutin). However, the concentration of nano-Si must be chosen with care.
Influence of nanosilicon on drought tolerance in plants: An overview
Frontiers in Plant Science
Insufficient availability of water is a major global challenge that plants face and that can cause substantial losses in plant productivity and quality, followed by complete crop failure. Thus, it becomes imperative to improve crop cultivation/production in unsuitable agricultural fields and integrate modern agri-techniques and nanoparticles (NPs)-based approaches to extend appropriate aid to plants to handle adverse environmental variables. Nowadays, NPs are commonly used with biological systems because of their specific physicochemical characteristics, viz., size/dimension, density, and surface properties. The foliar/soil application of nanosilicon (nSi) has been shown to have a positive impact on plants through the regulation of physiological and biochemical responses and the synthesis of specific metabolites. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in plants in response to drought/water scarcity, which may enhance the ability for adaptation in plants/crops to withstand advers...
ACS Omega
Agricultural crops are facing major restraints with the rapid augmentation of global warming, salt being a major factor affecting productivity. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant has immense nutritional significance; however, it can be negatively influenced by salinity stress. Nanoparticles (NPs) have excellent properties, due to which these particles are used in agriculture to enhance various growth parameters even in the presence of abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of silicon NPs (Si-NPs) through root dipping and foliar spray on tomato in the presence/absence of salt stress. Plant root and leaf were used for the measurements of morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters treated with Si-NPs under salt stress. At 45 days after sowing, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis, mineral concentration, chlorophyll index, and growth attributes of tomato plants were measured. The developmental processes of tomato plants were severely slowed down by salt stress upto 35.8% (shoot dry mass), 44.3% (root dry mass), 51% (shoot length), and 62% (root length), but this reduction was mitigated by the treatment of Si-NPs. Application of Si-NPs significantly increased the growth attributes (height and dry weight), mineral content [magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn)], photosynthesis [net photosynthetic rate (P N), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), internal CO 2 concentration (Ci)], and activity of antioxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase in salt stress. Foliar application of Si-NPs in tomato plants appears to be more effective over root dipping and alleviates the salt stress by increasing the plant's antioxidant enzyme activity.
Science of The Total Environment, 2023
Due to their size, flexibility, biocompatibility, large surface area, and variable functionality nanoparticles have enormous industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. This has led to their widespread use in various fields. The advancement of knowledge in this field of research has altered our way of life from medicine to agriculture. One of the rungs of this revolution, which has somewhat reduced the harmful consequences, is nanotechnology. A helpful ingredient for plants, silicon (Si), is well-known for its preventive properties under adverse environmental conditions. Several studies have shown how biogenic silica helps plants recover from biotic and abiotic stressors. The majority of research have demonstrated the benefits of siliconbased nanoparticles (Si-NPs) for plant growth and development, particularly under stressful environments. In order to minimize the release of brine, heavy metals, and radioactive chemicals into water, remove metals, nonmetals, and radioactive components, and purify water, silica has also been used in environmental remediation. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have become a huge threat to food security through their negative impact on agroecosystem. Si-NPs have the potentials to remove PTEs from agroecosystem and promote food security via the promotion of plant growth and development. In this review, we have outlined the various sources and ecotoxicological consequences of PTEs in agroecosystems. The potentials of Si-NPs in mitigating PTEs were extensively discussed and other applications of Si-NPs in agriculture to foster food security were also highlighted.
Multidimensional Role of Silicon to Activate Resilient Plant Growth and to Mitigate Abiotic Stress
Frontiers in Plant Science
Sustainable agricultural production is critically antagonistic by fluctuating unfavorable environmental conditions. The introduction of mineral elements emerged as the most exciting and magical aspect, apart from the novel intervention of traditional and applied strategies to defend the abiotic stress conditions. The silicon (Si) has ameliorating impacts by regulating diverse functionalities on enhancing the growth and development of crop plants. Si is categorized as a non-essential element since crop plants accumulate less during normal environmental conditions. Studies on the application of Si in plants highlight the beneficial role of Si during extreme stressful conditions through modulation of several metabolites during abiotic stress conditions. Phytohormones are primary plant metabolites positively regulated by Si during abiotic stress conditions. Phytohormones play a pivotal role in crop plants’ broad-spectrum biochemical and physiological aspects during normal and extreme en...
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2022
Silicon is among the most abundant elements on earth after oxygen. Studies have shown that silicon nanoparticles contribute to plant growth and development. Nano particles [NP] are important due to their unique properties associated with high surface-to-volume ratio, and they have many application areas including agricultural industry, pharmacy, and medicine. In this study, different sizes and concentrations of SiO 2 NP were applied to sunflower plants. Chlorophyll determination was made in leaf tissue, antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), Si assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzes were made in root and leaf tissues of sunflower treated with SiO 2 NP in different sizes and concentrations. According to the data we have obtained, it has been shown that silicon nanoparticles reduce the damage caused by abiotic stress together with the active defense system of plants. However, NPs are thought to trigger the formation of reactive oxygen species due to their increased antioxidant enzyme activities and cause anatomical changes, especially on the leaf surface and root tissue, as shown by SEM analysis
Harnessing silicon to bolster plant resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses
Agricultural and Biological Research, 2024
Silicon (Si), though not traditionally considered essential for plant growth, exhibits profound benefits in enhancing crop yields and resilience to abiotic stresses. Its application, particularly in combination with other fertilizers, has demonstrated significant improvements in various crops, including sugar beet, potato, rice, sugarcane and canola. Silicon strengthens cell walls,bolstering resistance to pests and diseases while mitigating the impacts of environmental stressors such as drought, salinity and mineral deficiencies. This multifaceted role extends to radiation-induced injuries, where silicon supplementation has shown promise in mitigating damage and facilitating faster growth recovery in plants. Additionally, silicon deposition in plant tissues, particularly in leaves and hulls, contributes to reduced transpiration rates and enhanced membrane integrity, crucial for combating drought and climatic extremes. Furthermore, silicon alleviates chemical stressors like phosphorus deficiency and toxicity, as well as heavy metal toxicity, through various mechanisms including modulation of metal uptake and distribution. Its role in enhancing salt stress tolerance by decreasing transpiration and improving antioxidant activities underscores its potential in salt-stressed plants. Notably, silicon's beneficial effects vary across plant species, with genetic modifications aimed at enhancing root Si uptake abilities offering promise for widespread application. Overall, silicon emerges as a valuable growth regulator, enhancing plant growth and resilience to stressors, thereby offering significant potential for sustainable agricultural practices. Future research should focus on evaluating silicon's efficacy across a broader spectrum of crops and stress conditions to unlock its full potential in agricultural systems
Role of silicon in counteracting abiotic and biotic plant stresses
Food security has been a major concern in India so to fulfil the nutritional needs of the people, numerous attempts are being made to defeat hunger. Since ages, the use of pesticides is thought of as an immediate solution to increase crop productivity but this strategy is leading to a drastic environmental stresses faced both by man and plants. So the need of the hour is to rely on eco-friendly approaches so as to be in harmony with nature. One of such approach is use of Silicon in our agricultural practices to combat various stresses as Silicon is continuously gaining serious attention since last few years due to its abundance and non-hazardous nature. Silicon nutrition is found to be helpful in abating many abiotic stresses including physical stresses such as drought, high temperature, flood, lodging, freezing, UVradiation and chemical stresses such as salt, metal toxicity and nutrient deficiency. In context of biotic stresses, Silicon provides resistance to plants against diseases either due to an accumulation of absorbed Silicon in the epidermal tissue, or expression of pathogenesis-induced host defence responses. A better molecular understanding of Si uptake in plants is important to maximize the benefits derived from Silicon fertilization.
Versatile Potentiality of Silicon in Mitigation of Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Plants: A Review
American Journal of Plant Sciences
The "quasi-essential element" silicon (Si) is not considered indispensable for plant growth and its accumulation varies between species largely due to differential uptake phenomena. Silicon uptake and distribution is a complex process involving the participation of three transporters (Lsi1, Lsi2 and Lsi6) and is beneficial during recovery from multiple stresses. This review focuses on the pivotal role of silicon in counteracting several biotic and abiotic stresses including nutrient imbalances, physical stresses together with uptake, transport of this metalloid in a wide variety of dicot and monocot species. The knowledge on the beneficial effects of silicon and possible Si-induced mechanisms of minimizing stress has been discussed. Accumulation of silicon beneath the cuticles fortifies the cell wall against pathogen attack. Si-induced reduction of heavy metal uptake, root-shoot translocation, chelation, complexation, upregulation of antioxidative defense responses and regulation of gene expression are the mechanisms involved in alleviation of heavy metal toxicity in plants. Silicon further improves growth and physiological attributes under salt and drought stress. Effective use of silicon in agronomy can be an alternative to the prevalent practice of traditional fertilizers for maintaining sustainable productivity. Therefore, soil nutrition with fertilizers containing plant-available silicon may be considered a cost-effective way to shield plant from various stresses, improve plant growth as well as yield and attain sustainable cultivation worldwide.