EFFECT OF SILICON ON BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS AND LIFE HISTORY OF TUTA ABSOLUTA (MEYRICK) (LEPIDOPTERA: GELECHIIDAE)

Abstract

The technology based on the use of silicon reduces pesticide use, keeping fruit quality and protecting the environment. This study evaluated the effects of different sources and levels of silicon applied on tomato plants, on biological and behavior characteristics of the tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta. The experimental outline was a randomized block with twenty one treatments, including control, in five replicates[(Agrosilício® soil (t ha-1 of SiO2) – 0.45, 0.90, 1.35 and 1.80); (Agrosilício® leaves (t ha-1 of SiO2) – 2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0); (Sili-K® (l ha-1 of product) – 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0); (Silicic Acid Leaves (% of SiO2) – 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00); (Silicic acid soil (% of SiO2) – 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00) and control]. The biological characteristics evaluated, were: duration of larval and pupal stages, survival of larvae and pupae and pupal weight of males and females individuals. The non-preference for oviposition of T. absoluta in tomato plants treated with silicon was evaluated through tests with choice and without choice trials. There were no differences observed in the length of larval and pupal stages, survival of larvae and pupae, pupal weight of males and females of T.absoluta and oviposition in individuals from the treatments with silicon applied to the soil and those in the control group. However, insects collected from treatments based on leaf application silicon showed an increase in the duration the larval and pupal stages, decreased survival of larvae and pupae, decreased pupae weight of males and females and a decrease in oviposition preference.