Silicon Application and Factors Influencing Mandibular Wear in Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer, Chilo Infuscatellus Walker

Abstract Silicon (Si) can improve resistance of plants to attack by herbivorous insects. Early shoot borer (ESB), is one of the most solemn lepidopterans borers on sugarcane in India. Management of this pest is cumbersome one even through insecticide application. An alternate new approach is needed for the management. Hence, the present study is aimed to determine the effect of silicon on early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Walker by analysis of biophysical factors and documenting of mandibular wear. Scanning electron microscopic observation revealed the presence of silicified cells, trichomes, increased cell wall thickness and wax content in the sugarcane leaves when treated with calcium silicate at 1000 kg/ha. Moreover larvae of early shoot borer fed with silica treated plants showed a complete wearing of mandibles as compared to untreated check. This is the study focused to measure the mandibular wear of early shoot borer fed on silicon treated plants.