Effect of silicon solubilizers on silica transportation, induced pest and disease resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Promoter or carrier-induced silicon transportation into rice (Oryza sativa L.) in relation to yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) and blast (Pyricularia grisea) disease resistance has been investigated. Simple amino acids, such as histidine, imidazole, glutamic acid, glycine and glutamine significantly enhanced the levels of Si(OH)4 in the stem and 14-18% silicon transport into the leaf surface, as evidenced by scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and silicon mapping studies. Studies on plants grown with these molecules in greenhouse (500 μmoles of the carrier X twice) or 1500 μmoles of the carrier X four times in field were conducted. The work has led to the identification of a novel class of bio-compatible molecules, which exhibit remarkable resistance to damage by yellow stem borer and blast infections and generate higher dry matter and increased yields.