Functions of silicon and phytolith in higher plants

ABSTRACT

Silicon (Si) is abundant in the lithosphere, and previous studies have confirmed that silicon plays an important role in plant growth. Higher plants absorb soluble silicon from soil through roots which is deposited in plant tissues mainly in the form of phytoliths. Based on previous studies, the research progress in silicon and phytoliths in the structural protection, enhancement on photosynthesis and transpiration of plants and plant growth and stress resistance was reviewed. Meanwhile, gaps in phytolith research, including phytolith morphology and function, impact of diverse environmental factors coupling with phytoliths, phytolith characteristics at different stages of plant development and phytoliths in regional vegetation are identified. The paper intends to promote the wider application of phytolith research findings and provides reference for further research on phytoliths.

KEYWORDS:

• Silicon
• phytolith
• functions
• higher plants

Acknowledgments

This work was jointly funded by Yunnan Provincial Department of Education Foundation (NO. 2022Y604), National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 32160415), Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province (NO. 202001AT070108) and Yunnan Provincial Joint Special Project for Basic Research in Agriculture (NO. 202101BD070001-114).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [NO. 32160415]; Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province [NO. 202001AT070108]; Yunnan Provincial Joint Special Project for Basic Research in Agriculture [NO. 202101BD070001-114]; Yunnan Provincial Department of Education Foundation [NO. 2022Y604]