Foliar application of sodium silicate mitigates drought stressed leaf structure in corn (Zea mays L.)

•Under drought stress, exogenous application of Si positively affected midrib area.•Si increased leaf stomatal area in drought stressed seedlings compared to control.•Drought stress decreased chlorophyll a and b content in 0 and 1.0 mM Si treatments.•Under drought stress Si significantly increased relative water content.•Under drought stress, K+ content significantly increased when treated with si.