Influence of Calcium Silicate Application on the Population of Sucking Pests of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Field experiments with foliar application of calcium silicate @ 2.0, 3.5 and 5.0%, soil drenching of calcium silicate @ 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0% and combination of foliar and soil drenching @ 2.0% + 20.0%, 3.5% + 15.0% and 5.0% + 10.0% were evaluated on 20 days old groundnut plant and compared with untreated check with average weather condition of 30 ± 2 ∘C and 79 ± 5 % RH at farmers’ holdings, Azhagarkovil, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India. Application of calcium silicate via foliage and soil simultaneously @ 5 and 10% on 20 days after dibbling of groundnut was effective to reduce the population of Empoasca kerri, Aphis craccivora and Scirtothrips dorsalis throughout the crop period, resulting mean population of 17.52 numbers/10 plants, 18.64 numbers/2.5 cm shoot and 11.06 numbers/5 leaflets, respectively while they were 35.57 numbers/10 plants, 36.08 numbers/2.5 cm shoot and 20.28 numbers/5 leaflets in untreated control. Reduction in population of sucking pests in groundnut might be due to silica induced plant defensive enzymes, however, the moderate reduction in population of sucking pests in groundnut can be well explained due to the impression of less accumulation of silica phytoliths in shoot tips and vascular bundle of groundnut plants where sucking pests feed.