Effects of Silicon -Based Fertilizer Applications on the Development and Reproduction of Insect Pests Associated With Greenhouse -Grown Crops

Applications of silicon-based fertilizers to coleus, poinsettia, and fiddleleaf fig did not increase plant growth and development parameters such as moisture content (g), plant height (cm), and the number of mature leaves. The results of these studies clearly demonstrate that applications of silicon-based fertilizers to certain plant species including coleus, poinsettia, and fiddleleaf fig plants do not inhibit feeding of certain phloem-feeding insect pests such as citrus mealybug and greenhouse whitefly. Although, silicon may function as a protective or mechanical barrier associated with increased epidermal leaf thickness/toughness and strengthening cell walls in certain plant species, these effects are not universal. The proposed hypothesis that the presence of silicon in plant tissues inhibits insect feeding, and thus, development and reproduction, particularly phloem-feeders with piercing-sucking mouthparts such as citrus mealybug and greenhouse whitefly was not supported by the current study. The use of supplemental silicon-based fertilizers applied to greenhouse-grown crops do not provide host-plant resistance to certain insect pests.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Resrouces and Environmental Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2008

Author dc:creator

• Hogendorp, Brian K.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Raymond A. Cloyd
• Swiader, John M.

• Agriculture, Horticulture

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3347573

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/83131