Greenhouse experiments demonstrate increased resistance to Diatraea saccharalis in sugarcane, suggesting silicon's role in pest management.
Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies include factors that induce host plant resistance. Silicon may increase plant resistance to attack by insect pests. In a greenhouse, two sugarcane cultivars RB72454 (moderately resistant) and SP801842 (susceptible), treated and untreated with silicon (Si) were infested with adult Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and checked after 60 days. The accumulation of silicon increased in the susceptible cultivar, resulting in a silicon content that was not significantly different than that of the untreated moderately resistant cultivar. The number of holes in the susceptible cultivar grown in silicon-treated soil was similar to that of the moderately resistant cultivar. Silicon application promotes cuticle thickening and the accumulation of crystals on the leaf stomata.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Vilela et al. (2014) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: