Physiological and molecular insights into the role of silicon in improving plant performance under abiotic stresses

Purpose Silicon (Si) is well-thought-out as a “multi-talented” quasi-essential facet due to its advantageous appearance in improving plant physiology, mostly under stressful circumstances. This study aimed to explore how Si supplementation improves plant responses to various stressful conditions and impacts the level of compatible solutes. Methods Data was gathered from various engines such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, etc. Information on the aforementioned topics from 150 references was meticulously organized and included in this study. Results This work focuses on the role of Si in improving ROS detoxification potential via stimulating the plant antioxidant defense system. It involves enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and mitigating stress conditions at the molecular level by inducing the expression of various genes. Crosstalk of Si with plant hormones and other signaling molecules is also being emphasized here, which is beneficial in mediating plant responses to abiotic stresses. Conclusion Si significantly alleviates abiotic stresses by maintaining water status, regulating proper nutrient and phytohormones level, osmotic adjustment, diminishing ROS triggered oxidative burst by improving the functioning of antioxidant apparatus and stimulating expression of various stress-related genes. The usage of molecular tools and techniques to decipher the plant gene cascade performing amelioration of drought-induced stress upon silicon application could prove quite beneficial in the arena of agriculture.