![]() Si can also help prevent water stress by protecting the plant during excess transpiration that occurs during water stress or low light conditions. Silicon application can reduce chemical stress induced by nutrient toxicities or deficiencies. Phytoalexins, which include terpenoids, are natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds made by plants. Phenolic compounds, which include cannabinoids, are a naturally occurring by-product of the plant’s immune system. Plants treated with Si may also produce phenolics and phytoalexins in response to fungal infections. A stronger physical barrier inhibits chewing and biting insects, making the plant less susceptible to insect damage. The resistance to pathogens is mostly provided by a physical barrier caused by silicon deposits in cells of roots, stems and leaves. Insect suppression towards borers, leaf hoppers and mites has also been recorded. Among the diseases observed, silicon increased plant resistance to bacterial leaf spot, blights and powdery mildew. The increased resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases and pest pressures is also well documented. Although silicon (chemical symbol Si) is not yet considered an essential plant nutrient, the beneficial effects of Si have been observed extensively, especially in plants under stress. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust silicon dioxides, the form of silicon found in soil, may make up almost 50% of soil volume. This means that the plant’s metabolism will function without them, but there are significant benefits to plant growth and performance with them. To date, there are 17 known essential plant nutrients, but there are also some elements that are considered to be beneficial to plant health and growth. Essential plant nutrients are classified as such if they are required for the function of plant metabolism.
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