LAUSR

Abstract Silicon (Si) is one of the abundant elements on earth known to have numerous beneficial effects on plant growth and development. These benefits are more prominent specifically under stress conditions. In the present review, we have discussed the beneficial roles of Si under contrasting climatic conditions like high and low temperature, flooding and drought, toxic and scarce nutrient levels. Interestingly, Si proved to be equally beneficial to both high and low Si accumulating plants. Similarly, application of Si augmented association of plants with beneficial microbes however restricted the harmful pathogen interactions. Although understanding of the Si mechanism is limited and the effects are hard to believe, hundreds of substantial reports has confirmed such benefits of Si supplementation. These attributes make the Si a potential element for climate-smart cropping. Other than plants, Si plays an important role in human health also. Biofortification of Si is an important strategy to enrich Si in edible part of the food crops to reap maximum benefits. Even though several reports have showed myriad benefits due to Si application, how Si imparts such benefits to plants under contrasting conditions and mechanism of Si transport is not completely understood. Research to fill these gaps will further increase our understanding of the Si facilitated climate-smart crop growth, leading to efficient exploration of Si-derived benefits and enhanced crop production.