My guest for this episode is Dr. Wendy Zellner.

Dr. Zellner received her doctorate from the University of Toledo in 2012, where she trained in molecular and cellular biology with a focus on the role of silicon in plant defense responses. She then completed a four-year postdoctoral position with the USDA-ARS, continuing her research on how silicon can alleviate both abiotic and biotic stress in crops such as tomato and tobacco.

Her work has included developing standard methods for quantifying silicon uptake from fertilizer materials, identifying uptake mechanisms for silicon in model species, and evaluating how those pathways function across a range of crop systems.

In this conversation we cover:

The role of silicon in plant physiology and structure

Silicon and plant defense against abiotic and biotic stress

How plants take up and utilize silicon

Misconceptions around silicon fertilizers and supplements

Practical considerations for growers using silicon inputs

This remains one of the most comprehensive discussions we’ve had on silicon and plant health, and it continues to be highly relevant for growers looking to better understand how this element functions within a complete fertility program.

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