Silicon Accumulation in Maize and its Effects on Demographical Traits of Fall armyworm, [Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)]

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a serious pest of various agricultural crops, causing heavy economic losses. Mostly, chemical pesticides are used for its management, but it has developed resistance against pesticides and other commonly used control methods. Studies have shown that the exogenous application of silicon has the potential to make plants more resistant to insect herbivores without causing any negative effects on the efficiency of natural enemies. Therefore, a laboratory experiment was conducted to test the impact of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and potassium silicate (K2SiO3) applied by foliar spray and soil drenching on its accumulation in maize and its impact on demographical traits of S. frugiperda to check its most susceptible age stage. Results of the current study revealed a significant effect of all silicon applications compared to control on survival rate, developmental duration, the reproduction rate of S. frugiperda, and silicon accumulation in maize. Furthermore, results indicated that S. frugiperda fed on the maize plants treated with foliar spray or SiO2 showed a lower intrinsic rate of growth (r), finite rate of growth (λ), and net reproduction rate (R0) compared to all other treatments. All the treatments showed a significant effect on the adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total oviposition period (TPOP), pre-adult survival rate, and oviposition days compared to the control. Age stage-specific life expectancy (exj) and Age stage-specific reproductive values (vxj) of S. frugiperda were significantly affected in all silicon treatments. From current results, it is concluded that silicon can be used as an alternate method for the management of this destructive pest.