Silicon in plant disease control

Abstract

All essential nutrients can affect the incidence and severity of plant diseases. Although silicon (Si) is not considered
as an essential nutrient for plants, it stands out for its potential to decrease disease intensity in many crops. The
mechanism of Si action in plant resistance is still unclear. Si deposition in plant cell walls raised the hypothesis of
a possible physical barrier to pathogen penetration. However, the increased activity of phenolic compounds,
polyphenol oxidases and peroxidases in plants treated with Si demonstrates the involvement of this element in the
induction of plant defense responses. The studies examined in this review address the role of Si in disease control
and the possible mechanisms involved in the mode of Si action in disease resistance in plants.