The effects of silicon on plant development

In this study, silicon (Si) effects on plant development, deficiency symptoms, toxicity and fertilization were investigated. Silicon is taken up from soil solution by the plant roots in the anion forms of orto silicic acid (H4SiO4) or mono silicic acid [Si(OH)4)]. Silicon polymerizes to form silica-cellulose membrane layer (SiO2·nH2O) by combining with pectin and calcium ions in the epidermal tissues of leaf or stem of plants. Thereby, it gains resistance against drought by reducing the transpiration, and reduces the transpiration of the leaves, reducing the toxicity of heavy metals in plants by forming Al-Si, Fe-Si and Mn-Si complexes in soil solution and increasing the stability of stem to biotic pests by increasing the thickness of the cell wall. Also, silicate reduces the amount of Na ions and the salt damage that will occur in the plant by forming Na-silicate. Si fertilizers were examined to be used in possible deficient and sufficient Si stress conditions in the growth media