Silicon supplement reduces the impact of climate change and enhances tolerance to pink stem borer infestation in wheat
摘要
Silicon (Si) is known for mitigating both biotic and abiotic stresses in crop plants. However, the impact of Si under climate change scenarios has not been studied or understood. This study investigates the role of Si supplement in mitigating the adverse effects of the pink stem borer in wheat under elevated carbon dioxide and temperature conditions. The results indicated that Si application significantly reduces the damage of pink stem borer, with mean percentage of dead hearts observed between 12.93 and 19.71% in Si-treated plants under climate change conditions, compared to 21.18–28.68% in non-Si-treated plants. The data reveal a significant correlation between E. CO2 levels and increased percentages of dead hearts, while ambient conditions combined with Si application yielded the most favourable outcomes. Additionally, larval recovery data suggest that treatments lacking Si resulted in larger larvae, indicating that Si enhances plant defences against the pink stem borer. Morphological assessments further demonstrate that Si application improves shoot, root lengths, and fresh and dry weights under E. CO2. Notably, the absence of Si led to larger mandibles in pink stem borer larvae, underscoring the role of Si in influencing pest morphology and potentially altering pest dynamics. This study emphasizes the importance of Si in bolstering wheat resilience against the pink stem borer, highlighting its potential in sustainable pest management strategies in the context of climate change.