Silicon nutrition in rice: A review

Abstract

Silicon (Si) is considered as a beneficial element for crop growth, especially for crops under Poaceae family. Rice is a typical silicon accumulating plant and it benefits from silicon nutrition. Si is absorbed in the form of monosilicic acid and its transportation is governed by three genes i.e. LSi1, LSi2 and LSi6. Silicon is deposited beneath the cuticle as cuticle-silicon double layer in the form of silicic acid. Highly weathered soils are low in available silicon mainly due to leaching loss. Its supply is essential for healthy growth and economic yield of the rice crop. Silicon interacts favourably with other applied nutrients and improves their agronomic performance and efficiency in terms of yield response. Also it improves the tolerance of rice plants to abiotic and biotic stresses. Hence, silicon management is essential for increasing and sustaining rice productivity.