Interactive effects of silicon and potassium on photosynthesis and physio-biochemical traits of rice (Oryza sativaL.) leaf mesophyll under ferrous iron toxicity

•Excess Fe2+exposure severely damaged rice leaf mesophyll.•Si or K mitigated excess Fe2+damage to leaf mesophyll by modulating physio-biochemical traits.•Si protected mesophylls from Fe2+toxicity by reducing cellular Fe level.•K protected mesophylls from Fe2+-induced oxidative damage by boosting antioxidant defense.•Combined application of Si and K resulted in better Fe2+toxicity mitigation responses.