Severity of yellow Sigatoka in banana cultivated in silicon nutrient solution

Abstract

Silicon (Si) is known to reduce the severity of pathogens on many plants. This study aimed to determine the effect of silicon (Si) in reducing the severity of yellow Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola) on banana plants cultivated in nutrient solution. The treatments included five concentrations of silicic acid (H4SiO4): 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.8 and 3.6 mmol L−1. The area under the disease severity progress curve (AUDSPC) was calculated for each treatment, and the nutrient content of the leaves determined. AUDSPC for plants receiving 3.05 mmol L−1 H4SiO4 was 49.27% lower compared to plants receiving no supplemental H4SiO4. In contrast, plants grown in a solution of 3.6 mmol L−1 H4SiO4 had 23.53% more Si content in the leaves compared to plants cultivated without supplemental H4SiO4. These results suggest Si could be used as a component in the integrated management of yellow Sigatoka.