A revue for importance of Silicon in plants Assimilation, transportation and its impact on mineral stress under acidic condition

Silicon (Si) is widely recognized as an important element for most plant species grown especially under stress situations. Recent research has extensively studied the mechanisms involved in the absorption and transmission of Si in vascular plants and different types of silicon transporters have been discovered. Si has the ability to ameliorate several in-organic stresses under acidic conditions including manganese and aluminum toxicity and phosphorous scarcity. Furthermore, under alkaline conditions, silicate deposits in the root exo- and endodermis result in obstruction of root apoplastic Na absorption and maintenance of Kﳖ balance; thereby significantly improving plant alkalinity tolerance. Four Si carriers namely, LSi1, LSi2, LSi3 and LSi4 have now been identified; although little information is available regarding their responses under stress conditions. Hence, it is important to study the connection between such Si-carriers and the Si proficiency for plants undergoing mineral stress. Evidence presented in the paper indicates that silicon availability and subsequent accumulation on plant tissues can serve as an appropriate strategy for improving crop productivity in acidic soils. The current paper briefly reviews the latest investigations with respect to the effect of sorption and transport of Si in plants under mineral stress in acidic soil condition.