Functions of silicon and phytolith in higher plants. (31st December 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Rui; Huang, Jianfeng; Guo, Huijun; Wang, Changming; Zhan, Hui
• Is Part Of: Plant signaling & behavior. Volume 18:Number 1(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-12-31
• Subjects: Silicon -- phytolith -- functions -- higher plants; Plant ecophysiology -- Periodicals; Plant cellular signal transduction -- Periodicals; Plant cellular signal transduction; Plant ecophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 581
• DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2023.2198848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1559-2316

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Silicon (Si) is abundant in the lithosphere, and previous studies have confirmed that silicon plays an important role in plant growth. Higher plants absorb soluble silicon from soil through roots which is deposited in plant tissues mainly in the form of phytoliths. Based on previous studies, the research progress in silicon and phytoliths in the structural protection, enhancement on photosynthesis and transpiration of plants and plant growth and stress resistance was reviewed. Meanwhile, gaps in phytolith research, including phytolith morphology and function, impact of diverse environmental factors coupling with phytoliths, phytolith characteristics at different stages of plant development and phytoliths in regional vegetation are identified. The paper intends to promote the wider application of phytolith research findings and provides reference for further research on phytoliths.