Influence of exogenous silicon addition on aluminium tolerance in rice seedlings

For better understanding of silicon (Si)-mediated increase in metal tolerance in plants, the alterations in growth, mineral elements and anatomical features were investigated in rice seedlings exposed to Si (10 μM) and aluminium (Al; 50 μM). Al decreased seedling growth which was accompanied by an increase in Al accumulation. In contrast, addition of Si alleviated toxic effects of Al and led to the decrease in Al accumulation. Magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) contents were decreased by Al; however, Si addition prevented decrease in Mg and Zn contents. Manganese (Mn) content was increased by Al while Si addition did not have a significant effect on Mn content under Al treatment. Al exposure decreased frequency of stomata and root hairs, length of root hairs and leaf epidermal cells, and distorted the structure and integrity of mesophyll cells and phloem; however, addition of Si reduced these abnormalities. Results showed that Si addition protected rice seedlings against Al toxicity by decreasing Al accumulation and by maintaining level of some mineral elements, and the key structures of leaf and root.