The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture
The results of the study of the localization and content of silicon in the leaves of narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) plants, which grew in natural conditions on the shore of the Venetian Bay (in the Kyiv area), are presented: in water and on land. To determine the localization and content...
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| Опубліковано в: | Plant Introduction |
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| Дата: | 2026 |
| Випуск: | 111 |
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M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine
2026
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Plant Introduction| _version_ | 1874364434227396608 |
|---|---|
| author | Nedukha, Olena |
| author_facet | Nedukha, Olena |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
{
"author": "Olena Nedukha",
"institution": "M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Tereschenkivska str. 2, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine",
"orcid": "0000-0001-8405-453X"
}
] |
| author_orcid_str_mv | 0000-0001-8405-453X |
| author_sort | Nedukha, Olena |
| baseUrl_str | https://www.plantintroduction.org/index.php/pi/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| container_end_page | 13 |
| container_issue | 111 |
| container_start_page | 3 |
| container_title | Plant Introduction |
| container_volume | |
| datestamp_date | 2026-08-23T21:41:51Z |
| description | The results of the study of the localization and content of silicon in the leaves of narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) plants, which grew in natural conditions on the shore of the Venetian Bay (in the Kyiv area), are presented: in water and on land. To determine the localization and content of silicon in the leaves, cytochemical and ultrastructural methods were used. Leaves were taken for the study in the vegetative growth phase. The presence and localization of silicon ions were studied using a laser confocal microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The presence of silicon inclusions in the epidermal walls of cells of the convex area (above midrids), and in cells of the stomata zone (stomata, cells surrounding the stomata, and in normal epidermal cells) on the upper and lower surfaces of cattails grown in water and in terrestrial soil was detected by laser confocal microscopy. The intensity of silicon fluorescence in the cells of the adaxial epidermis was significantly higher compared to that of the abaxial epidermis. The highest silicon content was found in epidermal cells of the convex zone, above the vascular bundles, with its content in the upper epidermis being 1.3 times higher than in the same cells of the lower epidermis. It was found that the content of silicon in the epidermis of terrestrial plants was more than that in the leaves of T. angustifolia grown in water. For the first time, a significant increase in the silicon content in the leaves of terrestrial plants of this species was also detected by electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. It has been established that the cells of the adaxial epidermis, particularly those above the conducting bundles (in the convex zone) and the stomata, are the main silicon accumulators. It is assumed that such localization and increased silicon content optimize the water balance of terrestrial plants and thus increase their tolerance to soil drought. It is proposed to increase attention to the study of silicon’s role in plant adaptation to adverse changes in abiotic environmental conditions. |
| doi_str_mv | 10.46341/PI2026007 |
| first_indexed | 2026-08-24T01:00:20Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
© The Authors. This content is provided under CC BY 4.0 license.
Plant Introduction, 111, 3–13 (2026) ISSN 1605-6574, e-ISSN 2663-290X
RESEARCH ARTICLE
The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced
soil moisture
Olena Nedukha
M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Tereschenkivska str. 2, 01601 Kyiv, Ukraine;
o.nedukha@hotmail.com
Received: 10.06.2026 | Accepted: 13.08.2026 | Published: 24.08.2026
Abstract
The results of the study of the localization and content of silicon in the leaves of narrow-leaved cattail
(Typha angustifolia) plants, which grew in natural conditions on the shore of the Venetian Bay (in the Kyiv
area), are presented: in water and on land. To determine the localization and content of silicon in the
leaves, cytochemical and ultrastructural methods were used. Leaves were taken for the study in the
vegetative growth phase. The presence and localization of silicon ions were studied using a laser confocal
microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The presence of silicon inclusions in the epidermal walls
of cells of the convex area (above midrids), and in cells of the stomata zone (stomata, cells surrounding the
stomata, and in normal epidermal cells) on the upper and lower surfaces of cattails grown in water and in
terrestrial soil was detected by laser confocal microscopy. The intensity of silicon fluorescence in the cells
of the adaxial epidermis was significantly higher compared to that of the abaxial epidermis. The highest
silicon content was found in epidermal cells of the convex zone, above the vascular bundles, with its
content in the upper epidermis being 1.3 times higher than in the same cells of the lower epidermis. It was
found that the content of silicon in the epidermis of terrestrial plants was more than that in the leaves of
T. angustifolia grown in water. For the first time, a significant increase in the silicon content in the leaves of
terrestrial plants of this species was also detected by electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. It has been
established that the cells of the adaxial epidermis, particularly those above the conducting bundles (in the
convex zone) and the stomata, are the main silicon accumulators. It is assumed that such localization and
increased silicon content optimize the water balance of terrestrial plants and thus increase their tolerance
to soil drought. It is proposed to increase attention to the study of silicon’s role in plant adaptation to
adverse changes in abiotic environmental conditions.
Keywords: Typha angustifolia, leaf, epidermis, silicon inclusions, soil drought
https://doi.org/10.46341/PI2026007
UDC 581.45 : 58.032 : 549.514.5
Funding: The study was financially supported by the National Academy of Science of Ukraine and performed at the Department of
Cell Biology and Anatomy of the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It was partly
supported by the research theme Nr 491 “Epigenetic, molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation of plants of different
ecological groups to changes in the water regime of biotopes” (2025–2029).
Competing Interests: The author declares that they have no conflict of interest.
Introduction
Fluctuations in soil water balance within
biotopes, particularly flooding or soil
drought, induce changes in the structural
and functional organization of plants, thereby
activating adaptive mechanisms in response
to the stressor (Vartapetian & Jackson, 1997;
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8405-453X
4 Plant Introduction • 111
Nedukha
De Micco & Aronne, 2012; Kordyum & Dubyna,
2019). Silicon is present in plants in the form
of monosilicic acid or in an amorphous or
crystalline form. It has been established that
silicon ions are in some way linked to plant
resistance to changes in water balance; in
particular, silicon enhances the lignification
and suberisation of roots, accompanied
by the activation of genes associated with
enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of
osmoprotectants, lignin and suberin (Perry
& Lu, 1992; Epstein, 1999, 2009; Fleck et al.,
2011; Khan, 2025). Silicon is also involved in
increasing the contents of chlorophylls and
carotenoids in above-ground organs and in
thickening leaf cell walls (Song et al., 2014).
In addition, silicon plays a role in optimizing
the water balance of cells, accumulating in
the cells of the leaf and stem epidermis to
form a double-thickened cuticular-silicon
wall, which protects the plant from excessive
water loss by reducing cuticular transpiration
(Kerstein, 2006; Schönherr, 2006). Within
plant cells, silicon can form hydrophilic
silicate-galactose complexes that bind
free water, thereby increasing the water-
holding capacity of the cells and the plant as
a whole. Due to their denser cell walls and
ability to retain moisture, silicon compounds,
when present in sufficient quantities, can
significantly increase plants’ resistance to
drought and also protect them from lodging
(Hodson et al., 2005).
Given that water is one of the main factors
ensuring plant growth, development and
productivity, and that the leaf epidermis is the
primary tissue of the above-ground organs
regulating the plant’s water balance (Kerstein,
2006), we set out to investigate the localisation
and content of silicon ions in the leaves
of aquatic and terrestrial plants of Typha
angustifolia L. (Typhaceae), which, under
natural conditions, has adapted to growing
in contrasting environmental conditions,
namely in water and on land. In our opinion,
this species serves as a suitable natural
model for studying the adaptive capacity of
plants to both natural flooding and terrestrial
growth. Typha angustifolia is a closely related
monoecious aquatic-palustrine plant native to
Europe, widespread in the temperate zone of
the Northern Hemisphere. It is a heliophytic,
light-loving, herbaceous, perennial aquatic
plant, 0.8–1.5 m tall. Given that water is one
of the main factors ensuring plant growth,
development, and productivity, and that the
leaf epidermis is the primary tissue of the
above-ground organs regulating the plant’s
water balance, we set out to investigate the
localization and content of silicon ions in the
leaves of aquatic and terrestrial T. angustifolia
plants.
Material and methods
The study involved the leaves of T. angustifolia
plants that grew in water at depths of up to 50
cm on the left bank of the Dnieper River (in
Kyiv), and on the leaves of terrestrial plants that
grew on sandy soil 3–4 m from the riverbank.
The material was collected in early June during
the vegetative growth phase. The selected
cattail leaves were fixed directly on the
riverbank for cytological studies. The material
was fixed in a mixture of glutaraldehyde
and paraformaldehyde solutions (1:1, v/v) in
phosphate buffer, pH 7.2. The fixed samples
were delivered to the laboratory for analysis.
The water temperature on the day of sample
collection was +16 °C, and the air temperature
was +21 °C. Standard biochemical methods
were used to determine the relative water
content in the soil and leaves.
Laser confocal microscopy
For cytochemical studies of silicon
localization and content, cross sections were
taken from the middle part of mature leaves.
For the cytochemical analysis of silicon, these
samples were processed according to the
protocol of Dabney et al. (2016) and examined
using a Zeiss LSM-5 laser-scanning confocal
microscope at an excitation wavelength of
480 nm and an emission wavelength range
of 500–530 nm. The intensity of silicon
fluorescence was determined using the Pascal
software. The intensity of silicon fluorescence
was measured in 15–20 cells of the upper and
15–20 cells of the lower epidermis from each
sample.
X-ray diffraction analysis of chemical
elements
X-ray diffraction analysis of chemical elements
in the leaf epidermis of two ecotypes of
T. angustifolia was carried out following
the method described by Bücking & Heyser
Plant Introduction • 111 5
The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture
(2000), using a JSM-6060 LA scanning
electron microscope (SEM) with a JEOL EX-
S4175GMU X-ray diffraction unit and the ZAF
software. For standard quantitative elemental
analysis, the silicon content was determined
as a percentage of the scanned mass of the
leaf blades (mass%). The analysis time was
120 s at a voltage of 15 KV. The presence of the
following elements was determined: Si, K, Na,
Ca, Mg, Al, S, P, and Cl. The mean and standard
error were determined using Student’s t-test
(P < 0.05).
Soil moisture content was determined
using the standard thermostatic-gravimetric
method. To determine the moisture content
of the soil on which cattail plants grew, soil
samples were taken at a depth of approximately
15–20 cm from the surface of dry land, and up
to 10 cm from the surface of flooded soil for
aquatic cattail plants. Soil samples were dried
in a thermostatic oven at 105 °C to a constant
weight, and moisture content was calculated
from the difference. The water content in plant
samples was determined using the standard
gravimetric method. This involved weighing
the fresh plant material and subsequently
drying it in an oven at +85 °C until a constant
weight was reached. It was found that the soil
moisture content of the soil in which aquatic
cattail plants grew was 82 ± 2.5 %, whilst the
soil moisture content of the soil in which
terrestrial cattail plants grew was 55.3 ± 1.7 %.
The water content in the leaves of aquatic
cattail was 65.3 ± 0.5 %, and in terrestrial cattail
it was 43.2 ± 0.7 %.
Results
The presence and content of silicon in the
leaves of narrow-leaved cattail, T. angustifolia,
were determined on the surface of the leaf
blades, the structure of which is characterized
by certain features. According to SEM data
we obtained previously (Nedukha, 2025),
the leaves of the narrow-leaved cattail
are amphistomatic (stomata on both leaf
surfaces). The adaxial and abaxial surfaces
were characterized by the presence of two
structural zones, regardless of the growth
conditions of this species: a cоnvex vault zone
(above the midribs and vessels), consisting
solely of one type of ordinary epidermal cells,
and a stomatal zone, in which stomata and
ordinary epidermal cells were located. Two
structural zones were arranged parallel to
the long axis of the leaf and alternated in a
specific order (Fig. 1 A–C). It should be noted
that the structure of the epidermal cells was
not smooth, but covered with cuticular-wax-
like structures that rose above the surface by
1-3 µm.
Data from laser confocal microscopy
Leaves of Typha angustifolia plants, which grew
in the water
A study of silicon in the leaves of cattail grown
in water, using confocal microscopy, revealed
the presence of fine (< 10 nm) amorphous
silicon inclusions, as well as small crystalline
inclusions in the cell walls of both leaf
surfaces. Silicon was present in the convex
zone and all cell types in the stomatal zone,
specifically in the epidermis of the guard cells
of the stomata, in the epidermis of the cells
surrounding the stomata, and in the main
(ordinary) cells of the epidermis in this zone
(Fig. 1 D, E). Amorphous silicon inclusions
covered the epidermis in a continuous layer
(green fluorescence), as evidenced by 3D
reconstructions from 12 consecutive sections
through the sample. However, on standard
sections (thickness of 1.2–1.5 µm), the silicon
structures varied in shape – from rounded,
teardrop-shaped, and rod-shaped to square,
with dimensions exceeding 10 µm (Fig. 1 F, G).
These silicon structures can be classified as
crystalline inclusions. The use of the Pascal
program enabled the determination of the
relative content of silicon inclusions in the
investigated samples.
It was found that the relative fluorescence
intensity of amorphous and crystalline silicon
inclusions depended on the structural zone
of the epidermis, the cell type, and the leaf
surface (Table 1; Fig. 1 F′, G′). The intensity of
silicon fluorescence in the cells of the adaxial
epidermis was significantly higher compared
to that of the abaxial epidermis. The highest
silicon content was found in epidermal cells
of the protuberance/convex zone, above the
vascular bundles, with the upper epidermis
containing 1.3 times as much as the same cells
in the lower epidermis. In the lower epidermis,
the guard cells of the stomata and ordinary
cells also contained less silicon than the cells
of the convex zone. In terms of silicon content,
6 Plant Introduction • 111
Nedukha
A 1
2
1
2 1
2
B C
D E
F
G
F’
G’
Figure 1. SEM micrographs of leaves in Typha angustifolia plants grown in water (A, B – adaxial surface)
and in terrestrial soil (C – adaxial surface): 1 – convex zone; 2 – stomata zone. Confocal microscopy of
silicon fluorescence (green color) on adaxial (D, F) and abaxial (E, G) surfaces of leaves in water plants
of T. angustifolia. D, E – 3D photographic images of adaxial and abaxial surfaces received by stacking of
12 serial scanning micrographs. F’, G’ – histograms of fluorescence intensity of silicon (green line) in the
distances indicated on figures F and G, respectively.
Plant Introduction • 111 7
The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture
the cells can be ranked as follows: ridge zone
> stomata > cells surrounding the stomata >
ordinary epidermal cells.
Leaves of Typha angustifolia plants, which grew
in terrestrial soil
Study of silicon in the leaves of cattail
growing on dry land shown that with using
laser confocal microscopy, the presence of
fine (< 10 nm) amorphous silicon inclusions,
as well as small crystalline inclusions in the
epidermis cells of two structural zones (Fig. 2
A, B) on both the upper and lower surfaces of
the cattail leaf blades, namely: in the cells of
the convex zone, as well as in all cells of the
stomatal zone. Amorphous silicon inclusions
covered the epidermis in a continuous layer,
just as in the leaves of T. angustifolia grown in
water.
It was found that the relative fluorescence
intensity of amorphous and crystalline silicon
inclusions in terrestrial plants also depended
on the structural zone of the leaf epidermis,
the cell type, and the leaf surface (Table 2;
Fig. 2 C, D, C’, D’). The highest silicon content
was found in the epidermal cells of the
convex zone in comparison with that in the
corresponding cells of the lower epidermis. In
the lower epidermis, guard cells and ordinary
cells also contained less silicon than the cells
of the convex zone. In terms of silicon content,
the cells can be ranked as follows: convex zone
cells > stomata > cells surrounding the stomata
> ordinary epidermal cells. That is, this order is
similar to that in the leaves of plants growing
in water. The presence of silicon in the cells
of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the
studied ecotypes of narrow-leaved cattail,
regardless of the site of growth, was also
established using X-ray diffraction analysis
(Fig. 3).
X-ray structural analysis of leaves
Leaves of Typha angustifolia plants, which grew
in the water
Scattering X-ray structural analysis of
chemical elements in cells from two structural
zones – the papillae zone and the stomata
zone – revealed the presence of silicon on both
sides of the cattail leaf blades, regardless of the
type of epidermal cells (Fig. 3 A, B). The silicon
content in the cells of the adaxial surface was
low, at 0.09 % in the convex zone (above the
veins) and 0.07–0.08 % in guard and ordinary
epidermal cells. In the cells of the abaxial
surface of the epidermis, silicon content
was lower: 0.05 % in the convex zone and
0.01–0.02 % in the stomata and surrounding
ordinary epidermal cells. In addition to silicon,
other elements were detected in the leaf cells,
including K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, S, P, Si, and Cl.
Leaves of Typha angustifolia plants, which grew
in terrestrial soil
X-ray analysis using an electron microscope
also showed that the silicon content in the
leaves of the terrestrial plants of T. angustifolia
was higher compared to that in the cattail
growing in water (Fig. 3 C). On the upper
surface, in the cells of the papillary zone,
it was 0.09 %. In the stomata zone it was:
in the guard cells of the stomata – 0.15 %; in
the cells surrounding the stomata and in the
Ecotype Leaf surface Fluorescence intensity of Si, relative units
Convex zone (above
the midrids and
vessels)
Stomata zone
Stomata guard
cells
Cells
surrounding the
stomata
Usual epidermal
cells
Air-water plants Adaxial 154 ± 13.9 135 ± 12.9 81 ± 4.9 97 ± 7.2
Abaxial 125 ± 11.1 89 ± 5.7 77 ± 5.8 65 ± 4.9
Terrestrial plants Adaxial 201 ± 17.5 165 ± 14.1 110 ± 9.8 131 ± 12.1
Abaxial 164 ± 13.1 136 ± 11.4 123 ± 11.2 85 ± 6.7
Table 1. Fluorescence intensity of silicon in the leaf epidermal cells of Typha angustifolia plants, which grew
in natural conditions: in water and on terrestrial soil. The data were obtained using a Pascal program
during analysis on a laser confocal microscope.
8 Plant Introduction • 111
Nedukha
ordinary epidermal cells – 0.46 % and 0.68 %,
respectively. On the lower surface of the leaf,
the silicon content was lower than on the
upper surface and amounted to the following:
in the convex zone – 0.07 %, in the stomata –
0.10 %, in the cells surrounding the stomata
– 0.27 %, and in ordinary epidermal cells –
0.46 %, respectively. The other elements were
also detected in the leaf cells, including K, Na,
Ca, Mg, Al, S, P, Si, and Cl.
Figure 2. Confocal microscopy of silicon fluorescence (green color) on adaxial (A, C) and abaxial (B, D)
surfaces of the leaves in Typha angustifolia plants, grown in terrestrial soil. A, B – 3D photographic images
of adaxial and abaxial surfaces received by stacking of 12 serial scanning micrographs. C’, D’ – histograms
of fluorescence intensity of silicon (green line) in the distances indicated on figures F and G, respectively.
BA
C
D
C’
D’
Plant Introduction • 111 9
The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture
Discussion
Previous comparative studies of the leaves of
aquatic and terrestrial plants of T. angustifolia
have shown similarities in leaf morphology
(Nedukha, 2025). Our findings on the silicon
content in cattail leaves showed that,
regardless of the plant’s growing conditions,
silicon is present in all types of epidermal
cells: above the veins (in the convex zone)
and in the stomata and cells surrounding the
stomata (in the stomatal zone). The form of
silicon we detected in the leaves of common
reed was predominantly amorphous, and
only occasionally did we observe crystal-like
structures when examining individual (1–1.5
µm thick) sections. A similar silicon structure
has also been previously described in the
leaves of Phragmites australis (Cav.). Trin. ex
Steud. (Poaceae) growing in water and on land
(Nedukha, 2018). However, the silicon content
was higher in the leaves of terrestrial plants.
To explain this phenomenon, it should also
be noted that the relative water content in
the leaves of aquatic plants was 65.3 ± 0.5 % at
a soil moisture content of 82.0 ± 2.5 %, and in
terrestrial plants, it was 65.3 ± 0.5 % and a soil
moisture content of 43.2 ± 0.7 %.
We hypothesize that increased silicon
content in the leaf epidermis of these
plants plays a significant role in maintaining
optimal cellular water balance in terrestrial
plants. Silicon is known to be absorbed by
the root system and deposited in the cell
walls of leaves and stems (Ma & Takahashi,
2002; Raven, 2003), thereby thickening the
cell wall and enhancing suberinisation and
lignification of cells (Suzuki et al., 2012). The
thickened cuticular-silica wall in all types
of T. angustifolia epidermal cells protects
the plant from excessive water loss, reduces
cuticular transpiration, and increases
resistance to lodging and to drought and
oxidative stress compared to aquatic plants
of this species grown in water (under high soil
moisture conditions).
We detected silicon ions in the stomata
of leaves, regardless of the ecotype of
T. angustifolia. It is known that water
evaporation promotes the condensation of
salts in the xylem and contributes to the
formation of soluble deposits, including silica.
Although most of the water evaporates from
the epidermal and mesophyll cells and passes
through the stomata into the atmosphere,
silicon deposition in the cells occurs gradually.
It increases with plant age (Motomura et al.,
2008), especially over the cells of the midribs
and conducting bundles, which provide crucial
structural-mechanical support to keep the
leaf flat and upright for sunlight exposure
and act as a vascular highway to transport
water, minerals, and aqueous solutions of
sugars between the stem and leaves (Coomes
et al., 2008; Taneda & Terashima, 2012).
Perhaps this is why the stomatal guard cells
in T. angustifolia leaves exhibit weaker silicon
fluorescence than epidermal cells above the
veins and vessels (in the convex zone).
It is known that silicon reduces water
evaporation from the leaf surface, even in the
absence of stress, as demonstrated in rice
seedlings (Ma & Takahashi, 1993), on drought-
tolerant wheat seedlings (Gong et al., 2005),
Ecotype Leaf surface Si content, %mass
Convex zone (above
the midrids and
vessels)
Stomata zone
Stomata guard
cells
Cells
surrounding the
stomata
Usual epidermal
cells
Air-water plants Adaxial 0.09 ± 0.01 0.08 ± 0.01 0.08 ± 0.002 0.07 ± 0.005
Abaxial 0.05 ± 0.009 0.01± 0.001 0.01 ± 0.001 0.02 ± 0.001
Terrestrial plants Adaxial 0.09 ± 0.001 0.15 ± 0.001 0.46 ± 0.002 0.68 ± 0.004
Abaxial 0.07 ± 0.001 0.10 ± 0.001 0.27 ± 0.001 0.43 ± 0.001
Table 2. Silicon content in the leaf epidermal cells of Typha angustifolia plants, which grew in natural
conditions: in water and on terrestrial soil. The data were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis using
a scanning electron microscope.
10 Plant Introduction • 111
Nedukha
and sorghum (Hattori et al., 2005; Ahmed et al.,
2011). It is also worth noting another function
of silicon – namely, its influence on water
transport and the regulation of cell osmotic
potential (Pei et al., 2010; Ming et al., 2012).
In cell walls, silicon forms part of
hydrophilic silicate-galactose complexes,
including pectin and callose, which bind
free water, thereby enhancing the water-
holding capacity of cells and significantly
30 µm
B
A
C
B’
A’
C’
Figure 3. Micrographs of different epidermal cells with spectra of Si and other ions measured by the
X-ray technique of Typha angustifolia air-aquatic (A, B) and terrestrial (C) plants at the vegetative stage
of growth. On the left side of each figure (A, B, C), outlined in the green square is the cell or part of the
epidermis surface that was investigated by the X-ray method. On the right side of each figure (A′, B′, C′) is
the histogram of the content of chemical elements, including silicon. The axes on C’ and D’: y-axis shows
counts per second (cps), notably impulses eV per second; and x-axis shows energy in keV (kilo-electron volts).
Plant Introduction • 111 11
The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture
increasing plant drought tolerance whilst
providing mechanical support to plants
(Guerriero et al., 2016). Taking into account
these data and the findings regarding
increased silicon content in the terrestrial
cattail, it can be assumed that the aquatic
and terrestrial ecotypes of T. angustifolia
differ significantly in terms of both water
uptake and water consumption, as well as in
the different speed of silicon synthesis and
accumulation. The mechanisms underlying
these processes require further study.
It has previously been established that
silicon can also activate water transport
from the root system to the leaves by
regulating the function of aquaporins
(water channel proteins in the cytoplasmic
membrane and organelle membranes)
and by influencing the osmotic potential
of cells (Hodson et al., 2005; Pei et al.,
2010; Ming et al., 2012). Furthermore, the
increase in silicon content in the leaves of
the terrestrial T. angustifolia plants may
be mediated by the activation of numerous
genes encoding various proteins, including
transcription factors associated with the
ethylene-sensitive stress signaling pathway,
which ensure the stability of proteins
and nucleic acids by preventing their
denaturation during dehydration (Rotat,
2006).
The effect of silicon on the expression
of genes encoding dehydratases during
dehydration of Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae)
plants under drought and osmotic stress
has been established (Liu et al., 2014). Based
on an analysis of literature data and our
own findings, it can be suggested that it
is precisely the increased accumulation of
silicon in the epidermal cells of terrestrial
plants that helps maintain optimal water
status of plants when soil moisture decreases
and is one of the factors determining the
widespread distribution of T. angustifolia in
ecologically diverse regions of Ukraine and
Europe. Thus, the data obtained indicate
the potential for further research into
the role of silicon in plant adaptation to
adverse environmental changes in natural
communities and agrocoenoses, given the
current increase in anthropogenic pressure
and projected global climate change.
Conclusions
The research was conducted using
comprehensive modern and classical
approaches. The results are fundamental
and contribute to our understanding of
the mechanisms underlying phenotypic
plasticity in plants growing under various
natural conditions, which is important for the
conservation of aquatic vegetation.
Using cytochemical methods involving laser
confocal microscopy and X-ray analysis, the
presence of silica ions in the epidermis of the
leaves of aquatic and terrestrial cattail plants
(Typha angustifolia) was established, and their
content depended on the ecotype and the
surface of the leaf epidermis. For the first time,
a significant increase in the silicon content in
the leaves of terrestrial plants of this species
was detected by electron microscopy with
X-ray analysis. It was established that the cells
of the adaxial epidermis, particularly those
above the conductive bundles (in the convex
zone) and the stomata, are the main silicon
accumulators.
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Plant Introduction • 111 13
The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture
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Роль іонів кремнію в стійкості рослин Typha angustifolia до зниження вологості в
ґрунті
Олена Недуха
Інститут ботаніки імені М.Г. Холодного НАН України, вул. Терещенківська, 2, Київ, 01601, Україна;
o.nedukha@hotmail.com
Представлено результати дослідження локалізації та вмісту кремнію в листках рослин рогозу
вузьколистого (Typha angustifolia), які зростали в природних умовах на березі Венеціанської затоки
(в зоні Києва): у воді та на суходолі. Для визначення локалізації та вмісту кремнію в листках
використовували цитохімічні та ультраструктурні методи. Для дослідження брали листки у фазі
вегетативного росту. Наявність та локалізацію іонів кремнію вивчали із використанням лазерної
конфокальної та сканувальної електронної мікроскопії. Методом лазерної конфокальної мікроскопії
встановлено наявність кремнієвих включень у стінках епідермісу клітин над жилками, у продихах,
клітинах, що оточували продихи, та у звичайних епідермальних клітинах на верхній та нижній
поверхнях рогозу, що зростав у воді та на суходолі. Інтенсивність флуоресценції кремнію в клітинах
адаксіального епідермісу була значно вищою порівняно з абаксіальним епідермісом. Найвищий
вміст кремнію виявлено в епідермальних клітинах зони пагорбів (над судинними пучками), причому
його вміст у верхньому шарі епідермісу був у 1,3 раза вищим, ніж у тих самих клітинах нижнього
епідермісу. Також було виявлено, що епідерміс усіх досліджених типів клітин у суходільних рослин
містив більше кремнію, ніж клітини рогозу, що ріс у воді. Нами також було встановлено значне
підвищення вмісту кремнію у листках суходільних рослин цього виду методами електронної
мікроскопії та рентгенівського аналізу. Встановлено, що клітини адаксіального епідермісу, зокрема
клітини у зоні пагорбів та продихів, є головними акумуляторами кремнію. Припускається, що така
локалізація та підвищений вміст кремнію оптимізують водний баланс суходільних рослин і таким
чином сприяють підвищенню їхньої стійкості до ґрунтової посухи. Пропонується посилити увагу до
вивчення ролі кремнію в адаптації рослин до несприятливих змін абіотичних факторів довкілля.
Ключові слова: Typha angustifolia, листок, епідерміс, кремнієві включення, ґрунтова посуха
https://doi.org/10.5511/plantbiotechnology.12.0416a
https://doi.org/10.5511/plantbiotechnology.12.0416a
https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcs102
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aob.a010303
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aob.a010303
|
| id | www-plantintroduction-org-article-1702 |
| institution | Plant Introduction |
| issn | 2663-290X |
| keywords_txt_mv | |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-08-24T01:00:20Z |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publisher | M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine |
| record_format | ojs |
| resource_txt_mv | wwwplantintroductionorg/df/bacebafdbc6a87ccbc9d379ee864e7df.pdf |
| spelling | www-plantintroduction-org-article-17022026-08-23T21:41:51Z The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture Роль іонів кремнію в стійкості рослин Typha angustifolia до зниження вологості в ґрунті Nedukha, Olena The results of the study of the localization and content of silicon in the leaves of narrow-leaved cattail (Typha angustifolia) plants, which grew in natural conditions on the shore of the Venetian Bay (in the Kyiv area), are presented: in water and on land. To determine the localization and content of silicon in the leaves, cytochemical and ultrastructural methods were used. Leaves were taken for the study in the vegetative growth phase. The presence and localization of silicon ions were studied using a laser confocal microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The presence of silicon inclusions in the epidermal walls of cells of the convex area (above midrids), and in cells of the stomata zone (stomata, cells surrounding the stomata, and in normal epidermal cells) on the upper and lower surfaces of cattails grown in water and in terrestrial soil was detected by laser confocal microscopy. The intensity of silicon fluorescence in the cells of the adaxial epidermis was significantly higher compared to that of the abaxial epidermis. The highest silicon content was found in epidermal cells of the convex zone, above the vascular bundles, with its content in the upper epidermis being 1.3 times higher than in the same cells of the lower epidermis. It was found that the content of silicon in the epidermis of terrestrial plants was more than that in the leaves of T.&nbsp;angustifolia grown in water. For the first time, a significant increase in the silicon content in the leaves of terrestrial plants of this species was also detected by electron microscopy and X-ray analysis. It has been established that the cells of the adaxial epidermis, particularly those above the conducting bundles (in the convex zone) and the stomata, are the main silicon accumulators. It is assumed that such localization and increased silicon content optimize the water balance of terrestrial plants and thus increase their tolerance to soil drought. It is proposed to increase attention to the study of silicon’s role in plant adaptation to adverse changes in abiotic environmental conditions. Представлено результати дослідження локалізації та вмісту кремнію в листках рослин рогозу вузьколистого (Typha angustifolia), які зростали в природних умовах на березі Венеціанської затоки (в зоні Києва): у воді та на суходолі. Для визначення локалізації та вмісту кремнію в листках використовували цитохімічні та ультраструктурні методи. Для дослідження брали листки у фазі вегетативного росту. Наявність та локалізацію іонів кремнію вивчали із використанням лазерної конфокальної та сканувальної електронної мікроскопії. Методом лазерної конфокальної мікроскопії встановлено наявність кремнієвих включень у стінках епідермісу клітин над жилками, у продихах, клітинах, що оточували продихи, та у звичайних епідермальних клітинах на верхній та нижній поверхнях рогозу, що зростав у воді та на суходолі. Інтенсивність флуоресценції кремнію в клітинах адаксіального епідермісу була значно вищою порівняно з абаксіальним епідермісом. Найвищий вміст кремнію виявлено в епідермальних клітинах зони пагорбів (над судинними пучками), причому його вміст у верхньому шарі епідермісу був у 1,3 раза вищим, ніж у тих самих клітинах нижнього епідермісу. Також було виявлено, що епідерміс усіх досліджених типів клітин у суходільних рослин містив більше кремнію, ніж клітини рогозу, що ріс у воді. Нами також було встановлено значне підвищення вмісту кремнію у листках суходільних рослин цього виду методами електронної мікроскопії та рентгенівського аналізу. Встановлено, що клітини адаксіального епідермісу, зокрема клітини у зоні пагорбів та продихів, є головними акумуляторами кремнію. Припускається, що така локалізація та підвищений вміст кремнію оптимізують водний баланс суходільних рослин і таким чином сприяють підвищенню їхньої стійкості до ґрунтової посухи. Пропонується посилити увагу до вивчення ролі кремнію в адаптації рослин до несприятливих змін абіотичних факторів довкілля. M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine 2026-08-23 Article Article application/pdf https://www.plantintroduction.org/index.php/pi/article/view/1702 10.46341/PI2026007 Plant Introduction; No 111 (2026): Early view; 3-13 Інтродукція Рослин; № 111 (2026): Early view; 3-13 2663-290X 1605-6574 en https://www.plantintroduction.org/index.php/pi/article/view/1702/1595 Copyright (c) 2026 Olena Nedukha http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 |
| spellingShingle | Nedukha, Olena The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| title | The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| title_alt | Роль іонів кремнію в стійкості рослин Typha angustifolia до зниження вологості в ґрунті |
| title_full | The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| title_fullStr | The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| title_full_unstemmed | The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| title_short | The role of silicon ions in the resistance of Typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| title_sort | role of silicon ions in the resistance of typha angustifolia to reduced soil moisture |
| url | https://www.plantintroduction.org/index.php/pi/article/view/1702 |
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