It isused in the formation of chlorophyll and some carbohydrates and is used in the conversion of starches to sugars. Zinc also helps plant tissue withstand cold temperatures. Zinc is essential in the formation of auxins, which help with growth regulation and stem elongation.
Silicon is added to plantsas a fertilizer, which can be in liquid or solid-state (e.g. Biacsil, Silifert, Nitrosil), usually applied at the time of planting, but in can be applied at any time during the growing season.18 Feb 2016