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Phytoliths for Insect Pest Management 


GR Hithesh, S Syam, J Karshanal
Pages: 121-144
ISBN: 978-93-5834-426-4


Latest Trends in Agricultural Entomology (Volume -8)

Latest Trends in Agricultural Entomology
(Volume - 8)

Abstract

Phytoliths are produced as a result of biological and physical processes in certain plant groups and deposited as solid silica in intercellular or extracellular locations after absorbing silica in soluble form as monosilicilic acid (H4SiO4). Si is an important and most common element in plant nutrition after oxygen. Silicic acid [Si(OH)4] is the bioavailable form of silicon in soil which is taken up by plant roots. It is generally found in soils at concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 mM. Si is translocated through the xylem to the shoots where it condenses into polymerized silica gel. Concentration of Si in plants on the basis of dry weight varies between 0.1-10%. The bio available Si absorbed by plants generally strengthens direct and indirect plant resistance to insect pests via deposition of SiO2 as biogenic opals (phytoliths), primarily in the epidermal cells of leaves, stems and roots. The abrasiveness of silicified leaves and other plant tissues associated with protection, storage, support and strengthening leads to the increased irreversible wear of mouthparts when insects are feeding, therefore deter chewing insects. Hence Si is used as a major component of soil-plant system plays significant role in plant’s life especially in alleviating abiotic and biotic stresses, thus can be used as a new weapon for pest management.

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