Adaptation of Drought Stress by use of Silicon Element in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Drought stress is a menacing type of abiotic stress caused by low rainfall, high temperature, etc., where water sparsity condition occurs in soil, affecting the process of plant growth and development. Drought stress has become a serious issue that must be considered before it becomes a significant threat to agricultural production. Wheat is India's second most crucial cereal crop; even its production is affected due to prevailing drought conditions in the fields, which causes many physiological, morphological & biochemical changes in the plant, indirectly affecting yield. Many methods are adopted to improve wheat crop efficiency even under drought-stress conditions, such as releasing resistant varieties, following advanced agronomic practices, using elements, etc. Still, the most recent method is to use the silicon element to mitigate the drought stress conditions in wheat crops. Silicon had not been regarded as an essential plant element; However, when applied to plants, it still promotes proper root growth, provides resistance against many diseases, decreases the abiotic stress effect on plants & increases the crop's growth and yield. So, in recent times, many research experiments have been performed in pots & laboratories where silicon is applied to wheat crops in the form of priming, fertilization & foliar spray in different stages of the crop to know its efficiency. Even silicon is also supplied to wheat crops in the form of nanoparticles. In the end, though, the silicon can be sprayed in any form and prevents the harm that drought stress does to wheat crops. Ultimately, Silicon is helping the wheat crop mitigate drought stress and produce better yields by enhancing its growth.