Promising role of silicon to enhance drought resistance in wheat

ABSTRACT

Drought is one of the major concerns that reduces yield and quality of wheat worldwide, thus posing a great threat to food security. In near future, increasing wheat production is a key to meet the current increasing demand for food in drought stressed areas. Recent research findings have illustrated that silicon (Si), a second highly rich component in the soil, could cut down drought stress in wheat plants. Therefore, we have reviewed the promising role of Si in reducing drought stress and highlighted the mechanism by which Si could mitigate the drought stress in wheat plants. Application of Si not only enhances the photosynthetic pigment, biomass and growth but also improves grain quality and yield under drought stress. The review further sheds light on key mechanisms which explain about modification of gas exchange properties, nutrient element homeostasis, regulating of compatible solute synthesis, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant enzyme stimulation in wheat plants under drought stress. The review concludes via suggesting the future research needs about the Si role on wheat under drought stress.

KEYWORDS:

• Antioxidants
• drought stress
• nutrient uptake
• osmotic adjustments
• photosynthesis
• plant growth