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

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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. Although Si, the major component of soil next to oxygen, it is not used as a major nutrient by crop plants. However, extensive literature demonstrate 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 cell walls, 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 provides an overview of the history of silicon use in agriculture in India, for the management of insect pests. The future research needs in this field of study are also presented.

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript is a contribution (No. NIBSM/Re. p-06/2019-02/38) from ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur.

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  1. ICAR-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 493225, India

    Ramasamy Kanagaraj Murali-Baskaran

  2. Division of Biopesticide and Environmental Toxicology, Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Excellence in Environmental Science, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu, 627412, India

    Sengottayan Senthil-Nathan

  3. Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, 2001 South Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA

    Wayne Brian Hunter

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Murali-Baskaran, R.K., Senthil-Nathan, S. & Hunter, W.B. Anti-herbivore activity of soluble silicon for crop protection in agriculture: a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 2626–2637 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-11453-0

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