Silicon application to increase rice resistance to brown spot

Abstract

^{The aim of this study was to evaluate sources and methods of silicon application to improve silicon uptake and the resistance of rice plants (Oryza sativa), cultivar Metica-1, to brown spot (Bipolaris oryzae). Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse, with an Oxisol soil, in a completely randomized design with eight repetitions. The treatments were wollastonite (calcium silicate) applied via soil and potassium silicate and silicic acid applied to the leaves. The soil-applied silicon increased the foliar silicon content and reduced the severity of brown spot, in contrast to the results observed in the foliar-applied silicon treatments.}