Anti-herbivore activity of soluble silicon for crop protection in agriculture: a review

Authors: MURALI-BASKARAN, RAMASAMY - Indian Council Of Agricultural Research (ICAR); SENTHIL-NATHAN, SENGOTTAYAN - Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU); Hunter, Wayne

Submitted to: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/27/2020
Publication Date: 11/4/2020
Citation: Murali-Baskaran, R.K., Senthil-Nathan, S., Hunter, W.B. 2020. Anti-herbivore activity of soluble silicon for crop protection in agriculture: a review. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 28:2626–2637. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-11453-0.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-11453-0

Interpretive Summary: New formulations of soluble silicates and their use to reduce plant pests, vectors of citrus pathogens, psyllids, aphids, leafhoppers whitefly, and lepidopteran and coleopteran pests are reviewed. Extensive literature demonstrates the beneficial effects of soluble silicates,like silicon [orthosilicic acid] to reduce biotic stress in crop ecosystems. Si accumulates in plant cell walls, providing protection by increasing the synthesis of lignin and phenolic compounds, that activate the endogenous chemical defenses of plants, and physical structures like leaf 'hairs' trichomes. This review reexamines the potential applications of soluble silicates as supporting treatments to improve plant health by reducing insect pests, like Asian citrus psyllid, citrus mealybug, and leafhoppers, that can spread plant pathogens.

Technical Abstract: Silicon (Si) is considered an important component for plant growth, development, and yield in many crop species. Silicon is also known to reduce plant pests, like hemipterans, lepidopterans, and coleopterans. Extensive literature demonstrates the beneficial effects of soluble silicates, like silicon [orthosilicic acid (Si(H4SiO4)] on reducing biotic stress in crop ecosystems. In general, monocots tend to accumulate substantially more Si in plant tissues than dicots. Si accumulates in plant cellwalls, providing protection by increasing the synthesis of lignin and phenolic compounds and activating the endogenous chemical defenses of plants including volatile and non-volatile compounds and other physical structures like trichomes. This review reexamines the potential applications of soluble silicates to reduce insects, including citrus pests: psyllid, mealybugs, and leafhoppers that vector plant pathogens, and in promoting plant health.