Modulation of oxidative stress and plant responses to salinity by nanosilicon: current insights and future...

Soil salinity is a formidable challenge to global food security, triggering severe oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction that devastate crop productivity. Nanosilicon (1-100 nm) has recently emerged as a transformative, highly reactive elicitor capable of counteracting these detrimental effects more efficiently than conventional bulk silicon. This comprehensive review critically evaluates the underlying mechanisms of nanosilicon-mediated salt tolerance and its practical implications for sustainable agriculture. By offering superior cellular penetration and bioavailability, nanosilicon mitigates ROS, such as superoxide radicals (O₂ ^-) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), subsequently reducing lipid peroxidation by up to 50% across various crops. Beyond direct scavenging, it fortifies both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems and modulates stress-responsive gene networks via abscisic acid (ABA) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades. By synergizing osmotic adjustment, ion homeostasis, and photosynthetic protection, these nanoscale interventions can drive yield improvements of up to 30% under saline conditions. Crucially, we address the current limitations, emphasizing that nanosilicon's efficacy is highly dependent on plant species, particle size, and environmental variables. While challenges such as dose-dependent phytotoxicity, environmental risks, and production costs require further investigation, optimizing nanosilicon formulations holds profound potential for developing climate-resilient agriculture.