Role of Silica in Resistance to Asiatic Rice Borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker), in Rice Varieties1

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Abstract
This study was conducted to test the reactions of several rice varieties to Asiatic rice borer infestation under natural field conditions, and to examine the relationship between plant silica content and susceptibility to stem borer. Based on results from 3 different tests, the varieties could be classified into 3 groups: resistant, moderately resistant, and susceptible. Reactions to the Asiatic rice borer infestation were highly consistent, indicating that resistance was due to inherent varietal characters. A highly significant negative correlation was recorded between silica content of the stem and susceptibility to the rice borer. High silica content in the plant seemed to interfere with feeding and boring of the larvae and could cause defacing of their mandibles. Although several studies have reported the effects of silica on rice borer susceptibility, this is the first report of varietal difference in plant silica content. The use of varieties with high silica content is a more practical and economical method of reducing rice borer infestation than applying silicate to paddy soil.

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