@article{wjar2017516,
author={{Njenga, K. W. and Nyaboga, E. and Wagacha, J. M. and Mwaura, F. B.},
title={Silicon Induces Resistance to Bacterial Blight by Altering the Physiology and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Cassava},
journal={World Journal of Agricultural Research},
volume={5},
number={1},
pages={42--51},
year={2017},
url={http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjar/5/1/6},
issn={2333-0678},
abstract={Cassava bacterial blight (CBB), caused by <i>Xanthomonas axonopodis</i> pv. <i>manihotis</i> (<i>Xam</i>) is a devastating disease limiting cassava production. The potential effect of Si application on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms attributed to Si-mediated resistance of cassava to <i>Xam</i> was evaluated. The optimal concentration of Si in enhancing resistance to CBB without detrimental effects on plant growth was determined using cultivars TME14 and TMS60444 known for their susceptibility to <i>Xam</i>. Varied concentrations of Si (0.7 to 2.1 mM) were administered by watering the plants three times per week before and after <i>Xam</i> inoculation. The optimized Si concentration was used to evaluate the effect of Si supplementation on resistance to CBB disease using eight farmer-preferred cassava cultivars. The population of <i>Xam</i>, cultivar resistance, chlorophyll content, lipid peroxidation, H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB> content, activity of antioxidant enzymes and total Si content in cassava cultivars were quantified 21 days post inoculation. Silicon concentration of 1.4 mM was optimal in enhancing cassava resistance to <i>Xam</i>. Silicon-treated plants of all cassava cultivars showed significantly (P ¡Ü 0.05) lower <i>Xam</i> population ranging from 5% to 26.7% compared to non-Si treated control plants. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, H<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>2</SUB> and chlorophyll contents were significantly (P ¡Ü 0.05) higher in Si treated plants than non-Si treated plants. Silicon accumulation in leaves of Si treated plants was higher compared to non-Si treated control plants.},
doi={10.12691/wjar-5-1-6}
publisher={Science and Education Publishing}
}