Silicon reduces Fusarium Head Blight Development in Barley

Background: Silicon (Si) can directly or indirectly enhance plant resistance to fungal pathogens, but no report is available concerning the effectiveness of Si in decreasing Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease on barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.). Objective and Methods: The evaluation supplied incorporated into soil as a foliar spray against four FHB species under controlled conditions was investigated. In addition, potential mechanisms related reduction Disease Incidence (DI) Severity (DS) measured at 7, 14, 21, 28 days post-inoculation (dpi) were proposed. Four concentrations both SiO 2 powder solid source, i.e. , 0.00, 0.50, 1.50 3.00 g/kg liquid formulation spray, 0.0, 0.8, 1.7 3.4 ppm tested study their effect development fungi two moderately resistant “MR” susceptible “S” cultivars. Results: All did not significantly reduce DI DS 7 dpi. observed with application 14 dpi increased time until dpi, however, other rates had significant effect. At treatments reduced by 26.6% 22.9%, respectively, cultivar, 19.4% 19.5%, cultivar decreased 20.4% plants 18.8% 18.4%, plants. Conclusion: No effects during initial infection stage; our results suggest that triggers defense processes latest stages diminish affecting mycotoxins synthesis. inputs be valuable tool integrated management reducing barley.