Influence Of Rocksil (R), Silifort (R) And Wollastonite On Penetration And Development Of Meloidogyne Javanica In Poaceae And Fabaceae

Silicates have the potential to induce disease resistance in plants. Induction of nematode resistance usually results from paralysis of nurse cell development or activation of the hypersensitivity response. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) treatment on the penetration and development of Meloidogyne javanica in various crops. The experiment was set up in a randomized (3 x 4) + 1 factorial design, with 3 Si sources (Silifort((R)), Rocksil((R)) and wollastonite), 4 crops (maize, rice, common bean and soybean) and 1 treatment control (distilled water). The Si treatments included adding wollastonite to the soil 10days prior to seedling transplantation, or spraying with solutions of Silifort((R)) or Rocksil((R)), 2days after seedlings transplantation. Twelve days after transplantation, the plants were inoculated with 1000 eggs and eventual second-stage juveniles (J2) of M.javanica. At 3, 8, 13 and 18days after inoculation (DAI), the plants were harvested and nematode penetration evaluated by optical microscopy. All Si treatments adversely affected development of M.javanica in soybean, common bean and rice and reduced nematode penetration of rice roots. Silifort((R)) and wollastonite reduced nematode penetration in common bean and soybean roots, respectively. However, none of the Si treatments influenced the variables analysed in maize. The results of this study illustrate the potential of Si treatment to control M.javanica parasitism in plants.