Naveed Gulzar*, Azra N. Kamili and Manzoor A Shah
Despite the fact that Silicon (Si) is not considered a necessary ingredient for higher plants, however it is a typical beneficial element having a positive impact factor on the growth and production on the variety of plant species. Its beneficial effects are more expressed in plants under stressed conditions as it serves a protective component in plants resilience to both biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Availability of pure Si is rare, most of the Si in the earth’s crust is bonded with oxygen. Plants have been shown to be more resistant to fungal and bacterial diseases when exposed to Si. In this review, we have discussed the consequence of Si in combating stress (biotic and abiotic) factors in plants and have focused on the physical, biochemical and molecular elements of the problem. As compared to the physical aspects of resistance, it has been found that in the majority of cases silicon induces biochemical and molecular resistance during plant pathogen system. Si forms an effective element thereby proving effectual resistance as defense related enzymes gets activated, antimicrobial substances are stimulated and defense signaling pathways are regulated. According to Taiz and Zeiger (2002), Si is found in found in various amounts throughout the plant tissue and increases plant growth and fertility.
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