Physiological and Molecular Analysis Revealed the Role of Silicon in Modulating Salinity Stress in Mung Bean

Salinity stress acts as a significant deterrent in the course of optimal plant growth and productivity, and mung bean, being a relay crop in the cereal cropping system, is severely affected by salinity. Silicon (Si), on the other hand, has exhibited promising outcomes with regards to alleviating salinity stress. In order to understand the critical mechanisms underlying mung bean (<i>Vigna radiata</i> L.) tolerance towards salt stress, this study examined the effects of different salinity concentrations on antioxidant capacity, proteome level alterations, and influence on Si-transporter and salt-responsive genes. Salinity stress was seen to effect the gaseous exchange machinery, decrease the soluble protein and phenolic content and NR activity, and increase the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. An efficient regulation of stomatal opening upon Si application hints towards proficient stomatal conductance and CO₂ fixation, resulting in efficient photosynthesis leading to proficient plant growth. The soluble protein and phenolic content showed improved levels upon Si supplementation, which indicates an optimal solute transport system from source to sink. The content of superoxide radicals showed a surge under salinity stress treatment, but efficient scavenging of superoxide radicles was noted under Si supplementation. Salinity stress exhibited more damaging effects on root NR activity, which was notably enhanced upon Si supplementation. Moreover, the beneficial role of Si was further substantiated as there was notable Si accumulation in the leaves and roots of salinity-stressed mung bean plants. Furthermore, Si stimulated competent ROS scavenging by reinforcing the antioxidant enzyme activity, as well coordinating with their isozyme activity, as expressed by the varying band intensities. Similarly, the Si-mediated increase in peroxidase activity may reveal changes in the mechanical characteristics of the cell wall, which are in turn associated with salinity stress adaptation. Proteomic investigations revealed the upregulation or downregulation of several proteins, which were thereafter identified by LC−MS/MS. About 45 proteins were identified and were functionally classified into photosynthesis (24%), metabolic process (19%), redox homeostasis (12%), transmembrane transport (10%), stress response (7%), and transcription regulation (4%). The gene expression analysis of the silicon transporter genes (<i>Lsi1</i>, <i>Lsi2</i>, and <i>Lsi3</i>) and SOS pathway genes (<i>SOS1</i>, <i>SOS2,</i> and <i>SOS3</i>) indicated the role of silicon in mitigating salinity stress. Hence, the findings of this study can facilitate a profound understanding of the potential mechanisms adopted by mung bean due to exogenous Si application during salinity stress.