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

Abstract

Maize is a crucial crop worldwide, and various environmental stresses often threaten its yield. Recent advancements in applying zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) have shown promising results in enhancing maize yield and stress tolerance. 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 conditions and summarizes the current state of knowledge on using Zn and Si in maize cultivation, focusing on nutrient efficiency and stress tolerance