Effect of silicon augmentation on rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus) in California rice

It is known that silicon increases the plants defensive capability against pest insects and pathogenic fungi through the modulation and priming of the defense response. Rice plants are known to hyperaccumulate silicon in the form of silica in the leaf and root tissues. In June and July of 2014, adults of the rice water weevil (Lissorhoptrus orzyophilus Kuschel) were confined to experimental cages with rice (4 plants per pot) in a greenhouse study to determine if silicon fertilization of rice improves resistance to rice water weevil. The Silicon treatment was applied as a potassium silicate at three rates: 0, low ( 2 ppm), and high 6 (ppm) with 3 weevils per pot at an infestation level of 75%. Data will be presented and discussed.