Tales Arthur de Souza Alonso
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Dalila Lopes da Silva
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Renato de Mello Prado
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Pedro Luiz Martins Soares
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Luis Felipe Lata Tenesaca
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Abstract
The use of silicon (Si) has a physical barrier effect on plant tissues, decreasing nematode infection in different crops. Notwithstanding, research on lettuce crop is lacking, especially regarding the chemical mechanisms of action of this beneficial element. Therefore, this study evaluates the effect of Si supply on lettuce plants infested with 0, 6000, and 12000 eggs and second stage juveniles of M. incognita, both in the absence and in the presence of Si (2 mM) in the nutrient solution. Silicon increases phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, reducing the M. incognita population and decreasing oxidative stress. It also increases chlorophyll index and the quantum efficiency of the photosystem II (FV/FM), favoring the growth and production of lettuce plants. The use of Si decreased the number of nematodes and affected their reproduction, decreasing the number of eggs and galls in the roots of lettuce plants, being yet another sustainable alternative for the control of M. incognita. The Si benefit would be due to the combined effect of the physical barrier and the chemical action from the increase in phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid in plant tissues, improving the physiological aspects of plants.