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A meta-analysis reveals that the protective role of silicon in grasses against fungal pathogens depends on infection mechanism

Thorne, Sarah1; Cooke, Julia2; Hartley, Sue1

Published May 20, 2026 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.gmsbcc31c

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Abstract

Silicon (Si) can improve plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, particularly in grasses. However, the ability of Si to mitigate infections caused by pathogens with diverse infection strategies remain unclear. Moreover, while Si accumulation in plants can be increased through the application of Si fertilisers, the type, and dosage of fertiliser used may influence the extent of the protective effect of Si against pathogens. We performed a meta-analysis of 114 studies that provided 2872 observations and on 14 grass host species and 31 of their pathogens to provide quantitative assessment of the benefits of Si fertilisation for improving disease resistance in grasses. The potential mechanisms underlying changes in disease severity were investigated by analysing the impacts of Si on pathogens with different modes of infection and colonisation. On average, Si fertilisation decreased disease severity by 43% and increased grass biomass by 35%. The Si effect varied depending on both the plant and pathogen species and experimental conditions, with the benefits particularly pronounced for rice and in controlled environment studies. The disease suppressive effect of Si was greater for pathogens that produce an appressorium, a structure involved in cell wall penetration and the release of effector proteins, and reduced for pathogens that enter through the stomata.