Read the following statements about silicon:
(A). Silicon has the beneficial role in rice and sugarcane crops.
(B). It contributes to rigidity and strengthening of the cell wall.
(C). It enhances the physiological availability of zinc in plants and counteracts zinc-deficiency-induced phosphorus toxicity.
(D). Nearly, 60% of the mineral matter of most of the soils consists of the combined oxides of silicon, aluminium and iron.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Show Hint
Silicon is often called a "quasi-essential" element because of its key role in protecting rice crops from blast disease and stem borers by forming a mechanical barrier in the leaf epidermis.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Silicon (Si) is classified as a beneficial plant nutrient.
While not essential for all plant species to complete their life cycle, its presence significantly improves the structural integrity, stress tolerance, and yield of specific crops. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the given statements:
Statement (A) is correct.
Silicon is highly beneficial for monocotyledonous crops, especially silicon-accumulating crops like rice and sugarcane, where it significantly increases yield and grain quality.
Statement (B) is correct.
Plants absorb silicon as silicic acid (\( \text{H}_4\text{SiO}_4 \)), which is deposited as amorphous silica (\( \text{SiO}_2 \cdot n\text{H}_2\text{O} \)) in cell walls.
This silica layer provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the leaves and stems, keeping leaves erect to capture more sunlight and protecting the plant from lodging, insect pests, and fungal pathogens.
Statement (C) is correct.
Silicon application improves the physiological utilization of zinc within plant tissues and helps prevent phosphorus toxicity induced by zinc deficiency.
Statement (D) is correct.
Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust.
Combined oxides of silicon (\( \text{SiO}_2 \)), aluminum (\( \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 \)), and iron (\( \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 \)) make up more than 60% of the mineral fraction of most agricultural soils. Step 2: Final Answer:
All four statements (A), (B), (C), and (D) are correct.
