The role of silicon (Si) in increasing drought tolerance in wheat

Abstract

Global warming reduces surface water and dries out soils thus affecting wheat production by decreasing its grain yield and quality. Therefore, for ensuring global food security it is important to enhance drought tolerance in wheat. In this context, the alleviating effects of Silicon (Si) on drought stress has been observed in wheat. It has been reported that Si is also involved in physiological functions of wheat where it may improve antioxidant defense. Accordingly, Si fertilization could provide a relatively cheap method of improving wheat drought tolerance although Si is the second most abundant element, it is not readily available for uptake by plants. This study provides an overview of the currently available information on Si-mediated defense responses under drought stress.