Beneficial effects of silicon on abiotic stress tolerance in legumes

Abstract

ABSTRACTSoil salinity, drought, metal toxicity, and ultraviolet-B radiation were major abiotic stresses that limit plant growth and productivity by disrupting the plants' cellular ionic and osmotic balance; legumes, a diverse plant family, suffered from these abiotic stresses. Although silicon (Si) is generally considered non-essential for plant growth and development, Si uptake by plants could facilitate plant growth by reducing biotic and abiotic stresses. There is however, a lack of systematic study on Si uptake benefits and mechanism on legumes because legumes reject Si uptake. Here, we reviewed the beneficial role of Si in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in legumes and highlighted the mechanisms through which Si could improve abiotic stress tolerance in legumes. Future research needs for Si mediated alleviation of abiotic stresses in legumes are also discussed.