How does Si increase resistance to fungal diseases?
While the role of Si in preventing or lessening the effect of some diseases in plants is well documented, the exact mechanism is not well understood. Si accumulation in cell walls may lead to strengthening of plant tissues that make it harder for some pathogens to penetrate and cause infection. Si in plant tissues may also lead to the production of compounds (known as phytoalexins) that are believed to cause antifungal activity and hence curb the advancement of the pathogen. We believe that the use of silicon-amended nutrition in greenhouse production could result in less expensive practices to control fungal diseases as compared to the use of fungicides and minimize the risk of pollution and other environmental hazards. For additional information, please contact Medani Omer at momer@UTNet.UToledo.edu.
