Export agriculture is an industry that requires high standards of quality and performance. To meet these requirements, growers are constantly looking for innovative and effective methods to improve the health and productivity of their crops.
Silicon (Si), the second most abundant element on the earth’s surface with 28.8% of its total mass, has emerged as a vital element in modern agriculture. It is deposited in the cell walls of plants, forming a silica phytolith layer that reinforces the cell structure. This reinforcement helps plants become more robust and resistant against various biotic and abiotic stresses.
Silicon in plants strengthens cell structure
Silicon is incorporated into the cell walls of plants, creating a stronger physical barrier. This not only helps plants resist mechanical and physical damage, such as wind and fruit pressure, but also improves their overall resistance. For export crops, this translates into longer-lasting produce that is less prone to damage during transport.
Silicon in plants improves resistance to pathogens and pests
One of the biggest challenges in agriculture is disease and pest management. Silicon in plants has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of fungal and bacterial diseases, as well as protecting against insects. By strengthening cell walls, it creates a physical barrier that hinders the penetration of pathogens. On the other hand, it can induce the production of phenolic compounds and other defensive substances that inhibit the growth of pathogens, reinforcing plant resistance, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of agricultural products destined for international markets.
Silicon and abiotic stress mitigation
Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and temperature extremes, can severely affect crop productivity. Silica in plants improves the water regime by reducing transpiration and water loss, allowing them to better cope with drought conditions. By forming a silica layer under the leaf cuticle, it reduces water loss and protects chloroplasts.
By accumulating in the tissues, silicon in plants creates a physical barrier that not only reduces water loss, but also limits sodium and chlorine uptake. This results in an increase in potassium, calcium and magnesium, improving their ability to tolerate saline environments. This is particularly important for export crops, where consistency in yield quality and quantity is essential.
Silicon in plants improves pollen fertility
Silicon can contribute to the robustness of the pollen cell wall, similar to how it strengthens plant cells in general. This can make pollen more resistant to mechanical damage and adverse environmental conditions during development and dispersal. This translates into a higher germination and fertilization rate, optimizing plant reproductive performance and thus crop production. This aspect is especially valuable for ensuring efficient pollination and increasing agricultural productivity. For export crops, this means higher productivity and fruit quality, essential to meet international demand.
The positive impact of silicon on photosynthesis
Silicon in plants can increase the photosynthetic efficiency of plants by improving nutrient uptake and optimizing the use of sunlight. By increasing the efficiency of nutrient uptake, it enhances the effect of nitrogen-rich fertilizers. This improvement is particularly noticeable in silicon-accumulating crops such as wheat, rice and tomato, which can contain more than 1% silicon in their biomass. In general, this translates into more vigorous plants with higher production capacity, which is crucial for maintaining high yields in export agriculture.
Defender Si: protection against fungal diseases and improved pollination
Futureco Bioscience has developed Defender SI, a product formulated with water-soluble potassium (8%) and silicon oxide (SiO 2) (18.0%), designed to protect against fungal diseases and improve pollination.
This solution is part of Futureco Bioscience’s iconic Defender line, a range of products with recognized value in meeting crop nutritional needs. Silicon is a powerful ally in export agriculture, providing benefits ranging from improved resistance to diseases and abiotic stresses to increased crop productivity and quality.
At Futureco Bioscience, we are committed to researching and developing innovative solutions that help farmers optimize their practices and meet the high standards of the international market. The inclusion of Defender SI in agricultural practices can pave the way for more sustainable and efficient production, especially in organic farming. Its use in export agriculture can ensure that crops not only meet stringent international quality standards, but are also more resilient to the challenges of transport and storage.