Silicon-based induced resistance in maize against fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)]

Abstract

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major economic pest in the United States and has recently become a significant concern in African and Asian countries. Due to its increased resistance to current management strategies, including pesticides and transgenic corn, alternative management techniques have become more necessary. Currently, silicon (Si) is being used in many pest control systems due to its ability to increase plant resistance to biotic and abiotic factors and promote plant growth. The current experiments were carried out at the College of Plant Protection, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China, to test the effect of Si on lifetable parameters and lipase activity of fall armyworm and vegetative and physiological parameters of maize plants. Two sources of Si (silicon dioxide: SiO2 and potassium silicate: K2SiO3) were applied on maize plants with two application methods (foliar application and soil drenching). The experiment results revealed that foliar applications of SiO2 and K2SiO3 significantly (P≤0.05) increased mortality percentage and developmental period and decreased larval and pupal biomass of fall armyworm. Similarly, both Si sources significantly (P≤0.05) reduced lipase activity of larvae, and fecundity of adults, whereas prolonged longevity of adults. Among plant parameters, a significant increase in fresh and dry weight of shoot, stem length, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant activity was observed with foliar applications of Si. Root fresh and dry weight was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in plants treated with soil drenching of SiO2 and K2SiO3. Moreover, SiO2 performed better for all parameters as compared to K2SiO3 and control treatment. The study conclusively demonstrated a significant negative effect on various biological parameters of fall armyworm when plants were treated with Si, so it can be a promising strategy to control this pest.

Toxic and repellent impacts of botanical oils against Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) in stored cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

“…The larvae of the pest bore into grains and consume endosperms; thus, making seeds unfit for consumption and germination [ 25 ]. The pupae develop inside the grains, while adults emerge through grain holes [ 16 ]. The C .…”

Biosilica Fertilizer Reduces Fall Armyworm Damage

“…This causes an resistance to herbivores through the physical and biochemical mechanisms [36,37] and affect the development of herbivore [38]. Haq et al [39] reported that FAW fed on maize treated with Si showed a significant negative effect on various biological parameters of FAW. Insect ingested silicon will cause midgut epithelium of the yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was completely ruptured the peritropic membrane and columnar cell and release of cell granules into the lumen due to abrasion of the midgut epithelium of larvae [35].…”

Different responses of two maize cultivars to Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae infestation provide insights into their differences in resistance

“…To date, research on the response of host plants to S. frugiperda were focused on plant volatile compound identification, genetic resistance, host plant preference, etc. (Costa et al, 2020;De Lange et al, 2020;Garlet et al, 2021;Hafeez et al, 2021;Haq et al, 2021;Jacques et al, 2021;Lv et al, 2021;Murad et al, 2021;Yactayo-Chang et al, 2021;Peterson et al, 2022). However, the performance and the mechanism of maize plants in response to S. frugiperda still need to be studied further.…”