Efficient Exploration of Silicon Derived Benefits to Combat Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Fruit Crops

Silicon (Si) is the most abundant element after oxygen on the earth crust surface. It plays essential role in crop production by stimulating the growth and development. Very substantial efforts have been performed to better explore Si derived benefits for horticulture crops. In the present review, molecular and physiological mechanisms explaining the observed beneficial effects plant derive from the Si supplementations, more particularly in horticultural species have been discussed. In general, horticulture crops need extensive management and higher crop protection measures compared to agronomical crops. Therefore, integrated approaches including Si supplementations will help to improve plant resilience under biotic and abiotic stresses. Application of Si to plants promotes cell walls strength and provides additional support through increased mechanical and biochemical support. Horticultural crop production is frequently subjected to the naturally occurring different biotic and abiotic stresses that can substantially reduce the absorption and translation of essential elements and ultimately decrease the crop yield. Fruit and vegetable production in Drought, salinity, high and low temperature, toxic metals and pest infection prone areas is the key to meet the world minimum nutrients demand. Here, molecular mechanism involved in the Si uptake by root and subsequent transport to areal tissues is also illustrated. However, Si uptake mechanism at molecular level poorly studied in horticulture crops. Here we described the role of Si and its transporters in mitigating abiotic stress condition in horticultural plants.