Silicon – The most under-appreciated element for vegetables

Abstract

Silicon (Si) has not been recognized as an essential element for plant growth but beneficial effects of Si have been observed in a wide variety of plant species. The positive effects of Si are usually expressed more clearly in Si-accumulating plants under various biotic stress conditions. Silicon is effective in controlling various pests and diseases caused by both fungi and bacteria in different plant species. Silicon also exerts alleviative effects on various abiotic stresses including salt stress, metal toxicity, drought stress, radiation damage, nutrient imbalance, high temperature, freezing and so on. These beneficial effects are mainly attributed to the high accumulation of silica on the tissue surface although other mechanisms have also been proposed. This review paper is tribute to understand different aspects of silicon viz., silicon absorption by plants, reaction of silicon in soil, silicon transport and content in plants,sources of silicon and beneficial effects of silicon furthermore review of research work for vegetable crop production also included.