Control of Meloidogyne paranaensis mediated by silicon

ABSTRACT: The potential of silicon (Si) to control nematodes is often reported in association with the resistance induction mechanism. The objective of this work was to evaluate the hypothesis of resistance induction in plants against nematodes through the application of Si. In vitro experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of Si and potassium chloride (KCl) on the hatching and mortality of Meloidogyne paranaensis juveniles. For the purpose of a greenhouse experiment, tomato plants were used as a model for bifurcated roots, using the respective control treatments, KCl and distilled water. Ten days after treatment, 2,000 eggs of M. paranaensis were inoculated. At 55 days post-inoculation, the reproduction factor and number of nematodes per gram of root were evaluated. Additionally, the tissue nutrient concentration and gas exchange variables were analyzed. Silicon reduces nematode viability, when in direct contact with the nematode in in vitro experiments and in bifurcated plants. When plants were treated with Si on one side of the root, no nematode control was observed on the opposite corresponding side. Results suggested that Si has a positive effect on the reduction of M. paranaensis population, but probably induced resistance to nematode only through direct action.