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Biomass Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Agronomic Response to Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Infestation and Silicon Application
by
, , ,
Douglas G. Santos
1
,
Leonardo L. C. Dias
2,
Guilherme S. Avellar
1,
Maria Lúcia F. Simeone
3,
Rafael A. C. Parrella
3,
Nathan M. Santos
4,
Thaís F. Silva
2,
Antônio A. Neto
2 and
Simone M. Mendes
3,*
1
Department of Biosystems Engineering, Federal University of São João del Rei (UFSJ), São João del-Rei 36307-352, Brazil
2
Department of Exact and Biological Sciences, Federal University of São João del-Rei (UFSJ), Sete Lagoas 35702-031, Brazil
3
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Sete Lagoas 35702-098, Brazil
4
Department of Entomology, Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), Lavras 37203-202, Brazil
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Insects 2025, 16(6), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060566
Submission received: 16 April 2025
/
Revised: 9 May 2025
/
Accepted: 22 May 2025
/
Published: 27 May 2025
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Integrated Pest Management: New Tools and Tactics for Pest Control)
Simple Summary
This study investigated whether soil-applied silicon could enhance the resistance of biomass sorghum (BRS 716) (Sorghum bicolor) plants to aphid infestation (Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)) while also boosting crop productivity. Sorghum plants were grown under controlled conditions and treated with varying silicon doses (0, 2, 4, and 6 tons per hectare). When exposed to aphid attacks, plants that received silicon displayed increased tolerance compared with untreated ones. Notably, the highest application rate (6 tons per hectare) was most effective, enabling plants to sustain healthy growth and generate greater biomass despite pest pressure. In addition to reinforcing resistance, silicon positively influenced key plant traits. It increased the amount of plant fiber (cellulose) and improved the uptake of essential nutrients such as phosphorus and calcium. However, it also led to a slight reduction in the concentration of certain other nutrients. These results highlight silicon’s multifaceted role in plant defense and development. Overall, this research supports the potential of silicon supplementation as part of an integrated pest and crop management strategy. Incorporating silicon into agricultural practices could contribute to more resilient and productive cropping systems, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical controls and helping to promote sustainable farming methods.
Abstract
Silicon application shows potential for enhancing crop resistance to pests while improving productivity. This study evaluated silicon’s effects on agronomic traits and chemical composition of biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) under aphid infestation (Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald, 1904) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)). Greenhouse-grown sorghum (hybrid BRS716) was treated with silicic acid (0, 2, 4, or 6 metric tons per hectare), applied at sowing and the five-leaf stage. Aphid-infested plants were monitored weekly for damage, alongside growth measurements (height, stem diameter, leaf retention). Post-harvest, fresh, and dry biomass were analyzed via near-infrared spectroscopy and chemical assays. Data were assessed using ANOVA and regression models. Results demonstrated that silicon reduced aphid infestation and damage at 6 metric tons per hectare. Silicon also increased cellulose content and improved phosphorus and calcium uptake, though nitrogen and potassium levels decreased. These findings suggest that silicon supplementation can strengthen sorghum’s natural defenses, enhance biomass production, and modify nutrient profiles. This approach offers a sustainable strategy to mitigate aphid damage while maintaining crop yield and quality, with potential applications in integrated pest management systems.
