1
|
Kajino H, Kitajima K. Lamina-specific localization of silicon accumulation in two broadleaf tree species. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2023; 136:659-663. [PMID: 37249668 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-023-01467-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Silicon (Si) accumulation differs greatly among plant species, as revealed by an increasing number of studies reporting whole-leaf Si concentration for a wide range of land plants. Yet, we have limited knowledge about Si distribution across leaf parts (e.g., lamina vs. veins) within a leaf of eudicots. Here, we report how Si accumulation with leaf age differs among petiole, midrib, and lamina in two broad-leaved trees, Acer rufinerve and Ficus erecta. We marked a pair of neighboring leaves in each marked shoot and harvested one in May and the other in October to measure Si concentration. In both species, the lamina showed much higher Si concentration than the petiole and vein in both young and old leaves, and only the lamina showed clear increases in Si concentration from young to old leaves. Si accumulation rate correlated positively with shoot size and leaf production in F. erecta but not in A. rufinerve. These results strongly suggest that, in eudicot species, Si is deposited mostly in leaf lamina but in only a negligible amount in petioles and veins through which Si dissolved in water is transported. Future research on physiological regulations of Si accumulation in eudicot species should consider which specific cells in leaf lamina are responsible for such highly localized Si deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Kajino
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life Science, Tohoku University, Aramakiji Aoba 6-3, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
| | - Kaoru Kitajima
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chaouqi S, Moratalla-López N, Alonso GL, Lorenzo C, Zouahri A, Asserar N, Haidar EM, Guedira T. Effect of Soil Composition on Secondary Metabolites of Moroccan Saffron ( Crocus sativus L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:711. [PMID: 36840059 PMCID: PMC9959755 DOI: 10.3390/plants12040711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate and soil are important factors that affect the quality of saffron. Saffron quality is determined by the marked content of secondary metabolites. The objective of this work was to study the effect of soil physicochemical properties on the secondary metabolites of saffron. Our study concerned the analysis of saffron samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-detection by diode array (HPLC-DAD). Soil samples were analyzed by physicochemical methods, ED-XRF fluorescence and X-ray diffraction to determine the different types of clays. Saffron samples grown in loam-clay-sand soils contained high values of crocins and kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside but low values of safranal. In addition, saffron samples grown in soils rich in organic matter, phosphorus and potassium contained high values of crocins and kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside but low values of safranal. This original approach was carried out for the first time in our study, both by ED-XRF fluorescence and by X-ray diffraction, to determine what elements affect the quality of saffron. Thus, we concluded that clays containing low amounts of iron could have a positive effect on the coloring strength of saffron.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soukaina Chaouqi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 242, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
- Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Research Unit, INRA, CRRA, BP 6356, Rabat 10000, Morocco
| | - Natalia Moratalla-López
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Gonzalo L. Alonso
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Cándida Lorenzo
- Cátedra de Química Agrícola, ETSI Agrónomos y de Montes de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Campus Universitario, 02071 Albacete, Spain
| | - Abdelmjid Zouahri
- Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Research Unit, INRA, CRRA, BP 6356, Rabat 10000, Morocco
| | - Nazha Asserar
- Laboratory of Botany and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
| | - El Mehdi Haidar
- Department of Mineral Chemistry, Mining Laboratories Division, ONHYM, Campus: 34, Avenue Al Fadila, City Yakoun El Mansour, BP 8030, Rabat 10000, Morocco
| | - Taoufiq Guedira
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Catalysis and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, BP 242, Kenitra 14000, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hodson MJ, Evans DE. Aluminium-silicon interactions in higher plants: an update. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:6719-6729. [PMID: 31950161 PMCID: PMC7709911 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) are abundant in soils, but their availability for plant uptake is limited by low solubility. However, Al toxicity is a major problem in naturally occurring acid soils and in soils affected by acidic precipitation. When, in 1995, we reviewed this topic for the Journal of Experimental Botany, it was clear that under certain circumstances soluble Si could ameliorate the toxic effects of Al, an effect mirrored in organisms beyond the plant kingdom. In the 25 years since our review, it has become evident that the amelioration phenomenon occurs in the root apoplast, with the formation of hydroxyaluminosilicates being part of the mechanism. A much better knowledge of the molecular basis for Si and Al uptake by plants and of Al toxicity mechanisms has been developed. However, relating this work to amelioration by Si is at an early stage. It is now clear that co-deposition of Al and Si in phytoliths is a fairly common phenomenon in the plant kingdom, and this may be important in detoxification of Al. Relatively little work on Al-Si interactions in field situations has been done in the last 25 years, and this is a key area for future development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Hodson
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - David E Evans
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deshmukh R, Sonah H, Belanger RR. New evidence defining the evolutionary path of aquaporins regulating silicon uptake in land plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:6775-6788. [PMID: 32710120 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the evolution events defining silicon (Si) uptake in plant species is important for the efficient exploration of Si-derived benefits. In the present study, Si accumulation was studied in 456 diverse plant species grown in uniform field conditions, and in a subset of 151 species grown under greenhouse conditions, allowing efficient comparison among the species. In addition, a systematic analysis of nodulin 26-like intrinsic proteins III (NIP-III), which form Si channels, was performed in >1000 species to trace their evolutionary path and link with Si accumulation. Significant variations in Si accumulation were observed among the plant species studied. For their part, species lacking NIP-IIIs systematically showed low Si accumulation. Interestingly, seven NIP-IIIs were identified in three moss species, namely Physcomitrella patens, Andreaea rupestris, and Scouleria aquatica, indicating that the evolution of NIP-IIIs dates back as early as 515 million years ago. These results were further supported from previous reports of Si deposition in moss fossils estimated to be from around the Ordovician era. The taxonomical distribution provided in the present study will be helpful for several other disciplines, such as palaeoecology and geology, that define the biogeochemical cycling of Si. In addition to the prediction of Si uptake potential of plant species based on sequence information and taxonomical positioning, the evolutionary path of the Si uptake mechanism described here will be helpful to understand the Si environment over the different eras of land plant evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Deshmukh
- Département de Phytologie, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, India
| | - Humira Sonah
- Département de Phytologie, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, India
| | - Richard R Belanger
- Département de Phytologie, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mandlik R, Thakral V, Raturi G, Shinde S, Nikolić M, Tripathi DK, Sonah H, Deshmukh R. Significance of silicon uptake, transport, and deposition in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:6703-6718. [PMID: 32592476 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/eraa301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects of silicon (Si) for plant growth, particularly under stress conditions, and hence a detailed understanding of the mechanisms of its uptake, subsequent transport, and accumulation in different tissues is important. Here, we provide a thorough review of our current knowledge of how plants benefit from Si supplementation. The molecular mechanisms involved in Si transport are discussed and we highlight gaps in our knowledge, particularly with regards to xylem unloading and transport into heavily silicified cells. Silicification of tissues such as sclerenchyma, fibers, storage tissues, the epidermis, and vascular tissues are described. Silicon deposition in different cell types, tissues, and intercellular spaces that affect morphological and physiological properties associated with enhanced plant resilience under various biotic and abiotic stresses are addressed in detail. Most Si-derived benefits are the result of interference in physiological processes, modulation of stress responses, and biochemical interactions. A better understanding of the versatile roles of Si in plants requires more detailed knowledge of the specific mechanisms involved in its deposition in different tissues, at different developmental stages, and under different environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rushil Mandlik
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vandana Thakral
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gaurav Raturi
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Suhas Shinde
- Department of Biology and Gus R. Douglass Institute, West Virginia State University, Institute, WV, USA
| | - Miroslav Nikolić
- Plant Nutrition Research Group, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Durgesh K Tripathi
- Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, UP, India
| | - Humira Sonah
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Rupesh Deshmukh
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nawaz MA, Zakharenko AM, Zemchenko IV, Haider MS, Ali MA, Imtiaz M, Chung G, Tsatsakis A, Sun S, Golokhvast KS. Phytolith Formation in Plants: From Soil to Cell. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E249. [PMID: 31357485 PMCID: PMC6724085 DOI: 10.3390/plants8080249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Silica is deposited extra- and intracellularly in plants in solid form, as phytoliths. Phytoliths have emerged as accepted taxonomic tools and proxies for reconstructing ancient flora, agricultural economies, environment, and climate. The discovery of silicon transporter genes has aided in the understanding of the mechanism of silicon transport and deposition within the plant body and reconstructing plant phylogeny that is based on the ability of plants to accumulate silica. However, a precise understanding of the process of silica deposition and the formation of phytoliths is still an enigma and the information regarding the proteins that are involved in plant biosilicification is still scarce. With the observation of various shapes and morphologies of phytoliths, it is essential to understand which factors control this mechanism. During the last two decades, significant research has been done in this regard and silicon research has expanded as an Earth-life science superdiscipline. We review and integrate the recent knowledge and concepts on the uptake and transport of silica and its deposition as phytoliths in plants. We also discuss how different factors define the shape, size, and chemistry of the phytoliths and how biosilicification evolved in plants. The role of channel-type and efflux silicon transporters, proline-rich proteins, and siliplant1 protein in transport and deposition of silica is presented. The role of phytoliths against biotic and abiotic stress, as mechanical barriers, and their use as taxonomic tools and proxies, is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Amjad Nawaz
- Education and Scientific Center of Nanotechnology, Far Eastern Federal University, 690950 Vladivostok, Russia
| | | | | | - Muhammad Sajjad Haider
- Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, 40100 Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Amjad Ali
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agriculture, 38040 Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Center of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, 38040 Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imtiaz
- Soil and Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, 38040 Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Gyuhwa Chung
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, 59626 Yeosu-Si, Korea
| | - Aristides Tsatsakis
- Department of Toxicology and Forensics, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion GR-71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Sangmi Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, Chonnam National University, 59626 Yeosu-Si, Korea.
| | - Kirill Sergeyevich Golokhvast
- Education and Scientific Center of Nanotechnology, Far Eastern Federal University, 690950 Vladivostok, Russia.
- Pacific Geographical Institute, FEB RAS, 7 Radio street, Vladivostok 690014, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rodak BW, Freitas DS, Bamberg SM, Carneiro MAC, Guilherme LRG. X-ray microanalytical studies of mineral elements in the tripartite symbiosis between lima bean, N 2-fixing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 132:14-20. [PMID: 27838542 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The symbiosis between legumes, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and N2-fixing bacteria (NFB) provides mutual nutritional gains. However, assessing the nutritional status of the microorganisms is a difficult task. A methodology that could assess this status, in situ, could assist managing these organisms in agriculture. This study used X-ray microanalyses to quantify and locate mineral elements in structures formed in a tripartite symbiosis. Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L. Walp) was cultivated in pots under greenhouse conditions, to which we have added AM fungal isolates (Glomus macrocarpum and Acaulospora colombiana) and NFB (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) inocula. Uninoculated control plants were also included. Symbionts were evaluated at the onset of flowering. Quantification of the mineral elements in the symbiotic components was performed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify structures. EDX analysis detected 13 elements with the most abundant being N, Ca, and Se, occurring in all tissues, Fe in roots, Ni and Al in epidermis and P and Mo in nodules. Elemental quantification in fungal structures was not possible. The distribution of elements was related to their symbiotic function. X-ray microanalysis can be efficiently applied for nutritional diagnosis in tripartite symbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Wurr Rodak
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), University Campus, 372000-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Douglas Siqueira Freitas
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), University Campus, 372000-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Soraya Marx Bamberg
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), University Campus, 372000-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Carbone Carneiro
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), University Campus, 372000-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guntzer F, Keller C, Meunier JD. Benefits of plant silicon for crops: a review. AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2012; 32:201-213. [PMID: 0 DOI: 10.1007/s13593-011-0039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
|
9
|
Sangster AG, Ling L, Gérard F, Hodson MJ. X-ray Microanalysis of Needles from Douglas Fir Growing in Environments of Contrasting Acidity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s11267-006-9065-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
HODSON MJ, WHITE PJ, MEAD A, BROADLEY MR. Phylogenetic variation in the silicon composition of plants. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2005; 96:1027-46. [PMID: 16176944 PMCID: PMC4247092 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mci255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2005] [Revised: 06/08/2005] [Accepted: 07/13/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Silicon (Si) in plants provides structural support and improves tolerance to diseases, drought and metal toxicity. Shoot Si concentrations are generally considered to be greater in monocotyledonous than in non-monocot plant species. The phylogenetic variation in the shoot Si concentration of plants reported in the primary literature has been quantified. METHODS Studies were identified which reported Si concentrations in leaf or non-woody shoot tissues from at least two plant species growing in the same environment. Each study contained at least one species in common with another study. KEY RESULTS Meta-analysis of the data revealed that, in general, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms accumulated less Si in their shoots than non-vascular plant species and horsetails. Within angiosperms and ferns, differences in shoot Si concentration between species grouped by their higher-level phylogenetic position were identified. Within the angiosperms, species from the commelinoid monocot orders Poales and Arecales accumulated substantially more Si in their shoots than species from other monocot clades. CONCLUSIONS A high shoot Si concentration is not a general feature of monocot species. Information on the phylogenetic variation in shoot Si concentration may provide useful palaeoecological and archaeological information, and inform studies of the biogeochemical cycling of Si and those of the molecular genetics of Si uptake and transport in plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. J. HODSON
- School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - P. J. WHITE
- Warwick HRI, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK
| | - A. MEAD
- Warwick HRI, University of Warwick, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9EF, UK
| | - M. R. BROADLEY
- Plant Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ryder M, Gérard F, Evans DE, Hodson MJ. The use of root growth and modelling data to investigate amelioration of aluminium toxicity by silicon in Picea abies seedlings. J Inorg Biochem 2003; 97:52-8. [PMID: 14507460 DOI: 10.1016/s0162-0134(03)00181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Three-week-old Picea abies seedlings were grown for 7 days in 100 microM aluminium (Al), combined with 1000 or 2000 microM silicon (Si). Solution pH was adjusted to 4.00, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, or 5.00. In the absence of Si, solution pH had no effect on the decrease in root growth caused by 100 microM Al. Silicon did not ameliorate toxic effects of Al on root growth at pH 4.00, 4.25 and 4.50, whereas significant, and apparently complete, amelioration was found at pH 4.75 and 5.00. An equilibrium speciation model (EQ3NR), with a current thermodynamic database, was used to predict the behaviour of Al and Si in growth solutions. When Si was not present in the 100 microM Al solutions, Al(3+) declined from 92.4% of total Al at pH 4.00 to 54.6% at pH 5.00, and there was a concomitant increase in hydroxyaluminium species as pH increased. The addition of 1000 microM Si to the 100 microM Al solutions caused a reduction in Al(3+) content over the whole pH range: at pH 4.00 Al(3+) fell from 92.4 to 83.3% in the presence of Si; and at pH 5.00 the fall was from 54.6 to 17.7%. These falls were attributed to the formation of hydroxyaluminosilicate (HAS) species. Similar, but somewhat greater, changes were observed in solutions containing 2000 microM Si. The match between root growth observations and the modelling data was not very good. Modelling predicted that change in Al(3+) content with pH in the presence of Si was gradual, but root growth was markedly increased between pH 4.50 and 4.75. Differences between root growth and modelling data may be due to the model not correctly predicting solution chemistry or to in planta effects which override the influence of solution chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Ryder
- School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Richmond KE, Sussman M. Got silicon? The non-essential beneficial plant nutrient. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2003; 6:268-72. [PMID: 12753977 DOI: 10.1016/s1369-5266(03)00041-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Research on a possible nutritional role for the element silicon has been hampered by the diverse beneficial effects that it has on monocots and dicots, and the subsequent difficulties in focusing studies on a single genetic model system. Although deemed a non-essential nutrient for the majority of plants, the benefits of silicon include increasing pest and pathogen resistance, drought and heavy metal tolerance, and the quality and yield of agricultural crops. Although the pathways and molecular mechanisms by which silicon is absorbed and deposited in plants are still unclear, recent progress has been achieved through the use of rice mutants that are deficient in silicon uptake. Additionally, the application of electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) allows one to determine the composition of silica deposits conclusively. Thereby shedding light upon the role of silicon in heavy metal tolerance. With the complete sequence of the genomes for a dicot (Arabidopsis) and a monocot (rice) available for large-scale genetic analysis, the future bodes well for a more complete understanding of the biological role of silicon and its mode of transport into and through plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Richmond
- Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall, Room 1250, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|