Amendment of silica nanoparticles enhance plant growth, induce defense reaction and reduces the damage by fall armyworm in Maize
Description
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a highly destructive invasive pest, and its chemical-based management is increasingly limited by resistance, resurgence, environmental risks, and rising costs—highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Silicon (Si) is increasingly recognized as a pivotal beneficial element that enhances plant resistance against a wide range of biotic stresses, despite not being classified as an essential nutrient. Apart from silicon, silica nanoparticles have wide range of applications in agriculture in general and plant protection in particular. Silicon and nano-silicon offer promising ecofriendly solutions by enhancing plant structural, biochemical, and molecular defenses, disrupting pest physiology, improving tri-trophic interactions and field performance. However, the effect of silica nanoparticles against invasive insect pest, Spodoptera frugiperda in Maize is lacking. In this context, we undertaken a pot experiment to study the efficacy of different application methods of green synthesized silica nanoparticles at different doses against feeding damage by S. frugiperda, its effect on defesne enzymes and plant growth promotion. In this direction, a manuscript has been prepared.