Genetic and silicon-induced resistance of sugarcane to Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and silicon effect on nutrient accumulation

The purpose of this research was to study the role of genetic and silicon-induced resistance of sugarcane to Diatraea saccharalis and the effect of silicon doses on sugarcane growth and nutrient accumulation. Initially, we assessed the resistance of 28 sugarcane genotypes to Diatraea saccharalis in a greenhouse. Then, we assessed the resistance of three sugarcane genotypes showing different genetic resistance levels submitted to the application of five doses of calcium silicate (0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 t ha −1 ). Also, we assessed plant growth and nutrient absorption. The results show that sugarcane genotypes exhibit different levels of genetic resistance to borers and energy-cane varieties appear to be the most resistant. However, our findings suggest that silicon-induced resistance to Diatraea saccharalis on sugarcane depends more on the silicon dose applied than the genetic resistance level of genotypes. In addition, our results show that high doses (30 t ha −1 ) of calcium silicate may be avoided as it may reduce the absorption of important micronutrients such as zinc, manganese and boron.