Establishing the Role of Silicon (Si) in Plant Resistance To Insects: A Bibliometric Approach

Insect pests present a substantial biological limitation on worldwide crop productivity, hence requiring the implementation of insecticides as the predominant approach to pest control adopted by agricultural practitioners. However, the utilization of insecticides can lead to negative consequences such as the development of insect resistance, recurrence of pests, and the presence of chemical residue. In the context of sustainable development, it is imperative that pest management systems adhere to ecological principles and demonstrate economic feasibility. The application of silicon (Si) has demonstrated the potential to enhance plant tolerance and mitigate the negative impact of diseases, insect pests, and non-insect pests on plants. The achievement of facilitating and increasing constitutive and induced resistance mechanisms, which are triggered by insect attack, is accomplished. The practicality and effectiveness of integrating this Si-based method with existing pest control strategies have earlier been documented. Si is considered a viable option for integrated pest management due to its capacity to mitigate the presence of pesticide residues in both food and the surrounding environment. Prior studies have established a correlation between the utilization of Si and a decrease in insect damage. This paper aims to fill the knowledge gap on the significant uses of Si research in the field of insect pest management. A comprehensive comparative bibliometric analysis will be conducted to achieve this objective. The objective of this analysis is to identify prominent writers, institutions, and nations that have made significant contributions to the field of Si pest control. The investigation will additionally analyze trends in publication output and citation effect. The objective of this comprehensive analysis is to investigate the existing research landscape across several disciplines and foster interdisciplinary cooperation. This study aims to elucidate the potential of Si as a crucial component in environmentally friendly pest management strategies.