Effects of silicon on biochemical and physiological aspects in Theobroma cacao under inoculation with Moniliophthora perniciosa

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the efficiency of silicon leaf application in the physiological and biochemical characteristics in a Theobroma cacao genotype inoculated with Moniliophthora perniciosa fungus, which causes the witches' broom disease, important cocoa disease in Brazil and worldwide. Seedlings of Catongo genotype were used. The experimental design used was a randomized block design with four replicates, including two inoculation factors (inoculated and non-inoculated plants), each one with two levels of silicon application (0.0 mg and 1.0 mg mL-1 with AgriSil containing 98% of SiO 2). We observed that plants that were inoculated with M. perniciosa and subjected to leaf application with silicon presented enhanced photosynthesis, peroxidases, chitinase, polyphenoloxidases activities and stomatal density. Results have shown that silicon application is beneficial and increases the defenses against Moniliophthora perniciosa in cocoa seedlings.

Clovamide, a Hydroxycinnamic Acid Amide, Is a Resistance Factor Against Phytophthora spp. in Theobroma cacao

“…Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity has been reported in cacao leaf, pod (fruit), and seed tissues towards the substrates catechol, L-DOPA, dopamine, 4-methylcatechol, epicatechin, and catechin ( Lee et al, 1991 ; Okey et al, 1997 ; Simo et al, 2011 ; Macedo et al, 2016 ; Ondobo et al, 2017 ; Fantinato et al, 2018 ). PPO activity has also been reported to increase upon infection by P. palmivora in cacao stems ( Okey et al, 1997 ) and P. megakarya infection in pods ( Simo et al, 2011 ).…”

Stress Oxidative Evaluation on SiK®-Supplemented Castanea sativa Mill. Plants Growing Under High Temperature

“…Plants have evolved a variety of responses to extreme temperatures to minimize damages and ensure the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. An alternative that has been used in stress management is the activation of the plant's latent tolerance mechanisms, which might be obtained through Si fertilization (Fantinato et al 2018). In this context, numerous studies have confirmed the potential of Si application in plants to improve their tolerance to high temperatures (Agarie et al 1998;Iyyakkannu et al 2014;Sehgal et al 2018).…”