Silicon: A key nutrient for sustainable rice and sugarcane production: A Review

Silicon (Si), the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and soils. However, its beneficial role in stimulating the growth and development of many plant species is widely recognized. Silicon effectively mitigates various abiotic stresses, including iron, manganese, and aluminum toxicities, as well as salinity, drought, chilling, and freezing stresses. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying Si-mediated alleviation of abiotic stresses remain poorly understood. This review highlights the role of Si in enhancing stress resistance and emphasizes its importance in rice and sugarcane production. Exploring silicon as a critical nutrient offers promising opportunities to enhance stress tolerance, improve yields, and promote sustainable practices, addressing global food security and environmental challenges.