Author
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Zellner, Wendy |
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Submitted to: The Buckeye
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2015 Publication Date: 5/1/2015 Citation: Zellner, W.L. 2015. Let’s talk silicon. The Buckeye. 26(4):27-28. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: While silicon (Si) has been a known plant nutrient for centuries, how plants use this element is still poorly understood. Researchers have identified how plants acquire Si from the environment and transport the element to all plant tissues, including roots, stems, petioles, leaves and flowers. We are also finding that all plants possess these proteins and have the ability to accumulate Si to near or above macronutrient levels. While Si has been shown to enhance plant growth through thicker roots, stronger stems and/or increased flower diameter, the hallmark of Si is its ability to protect plants against environmental stress, including temperature, salinity, heavy metal toxicity, and disease. In order for Si to have its benefits, it needs to be provided to the plants. Some growers are already supplying small amounts of Si through growth media, trace components of fertilizers and pesticides, and in their irrigation water. In addition, there are a number of Si amendments available to growers; however, the labels of these products can be misleading. The total percent Si is reported on the label and tells the buyer nothing about the plant-available form of element. The American Associate of Plant Food Control Officials is working to relabel Si-containing products with percent soluble Si to indicate the quantity of plant-available Si. This will allow the grower to more accurately apply the products at their intended rates. Unfortunately, we do not have recommended rates for Si application, but we do have experimental data that suggests concentrations between 30 and 70 ppm (1.0 and 2.0 mM) are adequate to aid plants in disease and heavy metal stress tolerance. It is important to note that the responses reported in the literature from these rates are heavily dependent on the variety of plant and environmental conditions in which they are grown. While we see benefits from Si application, further research to understand how plants use Si internally will lead to more accurate application recommendations, allowing growers to exploit this naturally occurring element to enhance plant health. |
