Histochemistry of Silicon in Rice Plant

As seen in the previous paper¹⁾ the use of HF-etching method has added much information to the mode of silicon deposition in rice tissues. The results obtained cover a wide range from root to husk. However, the importance of silicon deposition in epidermis in relation to the resistance of plants to diseases or insect pests makes it desirable to continue further studies of the mode of silicon deposition in outer region of epidermis. The study of microstructure of epidermis in connection with silicon deposition will provide valuable information to the mechanism of resistance rice plant to blast disease, because penetration of the rice leaf by piricularia oryzae is ordinarily through the cuticle rather than via the stomata. It will be of importance also to the study of a possible role of silicon in water economy of rice plant as already suggested by the present authors.