Silicon (Si): A Regulator Nutrient for Optimum Growth of Wheat Under Salinity and Drought Stresses- A Review

Abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought stresses are known as the main constraints for optimum growth of plants, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, in recent years, agricultural scientists have begun to research about the fertilizers that have a multifaceted use and can be used to maintain the optimum growth and yield of strategic plants under environmental stresses. Since wheat is the most important crop worldwide, stress tolerance plays a crucial role in food security. By different mechanisms, silicon (Si) improves the tolerance of plants to salinity and drought stresses including regulation of plant water relationships, gas exchange, photosynthesis, nutrient balance, reducing oxidative stress, reducing ionic toxicity, osmoregulation and root growth, potassium uptake, and stimulation of plant hormones. In the present work, the effects of Si on wheat tolerance to salinity and drought stresses will be discussed and it will try to explain the involved mechanisms in the regulation of the plant growth and yield by Si. This study also highlights the need for future research on the role of Si in wheat under drought stress and in saline soils.

Automated summary

Salinity and drought are major constraints for plant growth, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Researchers have been studying fertilizers with multifaceted use to maintain optimal growth and yield of crops under environmental stresses. Silicon (Si) improves plant tolerance to salinity and drought stresses by regulating water relationships, gas exchange, photosynthesis, nutrient balance, oxidative stress, ionic toxicity, osmoregulation, root growth, potassium uptake, and plant hormones. This study discusses the effects of Si on wheat tolerance to salinity and drought stresses, and emphasizes the need for future research on Si's role in wheat under drought stress and in saline soils.