Silicon-mediated defence response in chilli against yellow mite infestation.

ABSTRACT: Chilli yellow mite is a major pest of chilli, which causes significant damage to both leaves and fruits. Synthetic acaricides, though widely used for control, pose environmental risks and often give unsatisfactory results due to pest resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to enhance the resistance of chilli plants against mite by applying silicon (Si), a natural element, in two forms- CaSiO₃ and K₂SiO₃, at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0%. Results showed that Si application significantly reduced mite infestation while having no effect on their natural predator, the ladybird beetle. CaSiO₃ at 0.1% Si led to the lowest leaf infestation rates (7.6 ± 1.5%, 4.4 ± 0.4% and 2.4 ± 0.4% after the first, second and third sprays, respectively), and produced the highest number of healthy fruits

SUBMITTER: Afroz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12615510 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature