Advances in zinc and silicon applications for maize yield enhancement: A review on nutrient efficiency and stress tolerance

Authors

  • Gourav Sabharwal Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India - 641003
  • K. Vaiyapuri Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India - 641003 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5128-999X
  • S. Selvakumar Centre for Water and Geospatial Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India – 6410003
  • M. Raju Cotton research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University , Srivilliputtur, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9026-5106
  • R. Jagadeeswaran Department of Remote-Sensing and GIS, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India – 6410003 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8658-9260
  • P. Parasuraman Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India - 641003

Abstract

Maize is a crucial crop worldwide, and various environmental stresses often threaten its yield. Recent advance
ments in applying zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) have shown promising results in enhancing maize yield and stress to
lerance. Silicon application in maize plants enhances resistance against Maydis Leaf Blight and increases leaf gas
exchanges, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and antioxidant activities. Silicon alters phytophagous insects'
attack by stimulating deterrent effects on oviposition site selection and affects nutrient digestion, decreasing leaf
palatability and digestibility. Silicon contributes to stress mitigation in maize plants under potassium deficiency by
enhancing nutrient use efficiency, photosynthetic rate, and dry matter production. Zn oxide nanoparticles have
been studied for their synthesis, characterization, modification, and applications in food and agriculture. Silicon
plays a crucial role in plant defence against biotic stress, acting as a barrier against insects, fungi, and bacteria,
and stimulating the production of defence compounds. We discuss the effects of conventional and nano-scale Zn
and Si fertilizers on maize growth, economic and metabolic profiles, and stress responses. The review highlights
the potential benefits of combining Zn and Si applications for improved maize productivity under stressful condi
tions and summarizes the current state of knowledge on using Zn and Si in maize cultivation, focusing on nutrient
efficiency and stress tolerance.

Additional Files

Published

2025-04-29

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 3

Section

Articles

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