The possibility of silicon as an essential element for higher plants
1990
REP.G0962
Available at Main Library
Files
Items
Details
Title
The possibility of silicon as an essential element for higher plants
Publication Date
1990
Call Number
REP.G0962
Summary
Silicon has been recognized to be essential for the growth of diatoms and mammals, but not for higher plants. Higher plants vary widely in their silicon content, but can be divided into silicon accumulators and non-accumulators according to their silicon content and Si/Ca ratio. Silicon accumulators show a characteristic distribution in the phylogenetic system. The silicon content of different plant species is related to their ability to uptake silicon. Three modes of silicon uptake are recognized, i.e., active (rice plant), passive (cucumber plant), and exclusive (tomato plant). Active uptake of silicon by rice plant is a metabolic energy-dependent process. Growth responses to silicon are most remarkable in silicon accumulators such as rice plant, horsetail and scouring rush. Deficiency symptoms of non-silicon accumulators such as tomato and cucumber plants have been demonstrated. Symptoms do not appear at the earlier growth stage but at the reproductive growth stage. Further intensive investigation should qualify silicon as an essential element for higher phmts in the near future.
Journal Citation
v.2(2):99-122, COMMENTS ON AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
Contact Information
harvest@worldveg.org
Record Appears in
Research > Published Articles