Response of Moderate Pest Resistant and Susceptible Cultivar of Sugarcane to Silicon Application

Abstract

In this study, the effects of a silicon (Si) application on the biomass, chlorophyll level and silicon level of sugarcane moderate pest resistance (RB72454) and susceptible (SP801842) cultivars were tested. Investigations were also carried out to assess the effect of silicon on Diatraea saccharalis infestation. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using the treatments consisting moderate pest resistant and susceptible culivar, with or without silicon application. The silicon was applied to the soil around the plants. The experiment was laid in complete randomized design with 4 treatments and 10 replicates. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and the averages were compared using the Tukey test (p ≤ 0.05). Significant changes were observed in the fresh and dry masses of the aerial portions and the root system, as well as in the plant chlorophyll and silicon levels. The silicon content increased in the susceptible variety which was significantly equal for moderate resistance variety. Chlorophyll content increased in silicon treated cultivars. Sixty days after the last application, 10 adult D. saccharalis moths were released onto each pot. However, due to the low infestation, the effects of silicon on the insect incidence could not be determined. One can conclude that silicon is beneficial for the growth of the aerial portions of sugarcane and causes a significant increase in chlorophyll levels.