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Rough and tough. How does silicic acid protect horsetail from fungal infection?

Rough and tough. How does silicic acid protect horsetail from fungal infection? Thumbnail


Abstract

Abstract Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) plants grew healthily for 10 weeks under both Si-deficient and Si-replete conditions. After 10 weeks, plants grown under Si-deficient conditions succumbed to fungal infection. We have used NanoSIMS and fluorescence microscopy to investigate silica deposition in the tissues of these plants. Horsetail grown under Si-deficient conditions did not deposit identifiable amounts of silica in their tissues. Plants grown under Si-replete conditions accumulated silica throughout their tissues and especially in the epidermis of the outer side of the leaf and the furrow region of the stem where it was continuous and often, as a double layer suggestive of a barrier function. We have previously shown, both in vivo (in horsetail and thale cress) and in vitro (using an undersaturated solution of Si(OH)4), that callose is a “catalyst” of plant silica deposition. Here we support this finding by comparing the deposition of silica to that of callose and by showing that they are co-localized. We propose the existence of a synergistic mechanical protection by callose and silica against pathogens in horsetail, whereby the induction of callose synthesis and deposition is the first, biochemical line of defence and callose-induced precipitation of silica is the second, adventitious mechanical barrier.

Acceptance Date Jan 26, 2018
Publication Date May 1, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology
Print ISSN 0946-672X
Publisher Elsevier
Pages 45 - 52
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.01.015
Keywords Biogenic silica; NanoSIMS; Silicic acid; Callose; Horsetail; Fungal infection
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X17310015

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