| Experiments were conducted from 1994-1996 to determine if rice blast could be managed with silicon alone or with fungicides applied at strategic times or reduced rates. In 1994, soil at two locations in Colombia was treated with 400 kg of silicon (Si) ha;In 1995 and 1996, Si was applied at 1000 kg ha;Resistant, partially resistant, and susceptible cultivars were fertilized with Si to examine effects on blast, leaf scald, and yield. Leaf blast was controlled as effectively by Si on partially resistant and susceptible cultivars as on resistant cultivars without Si. Leaf scald was generally reduced on all cultivars by Si. Neck blast was reduced by Si on partially resistant and susceptible cultivars. Yields were greater on Si-treated cultivars than untreated cultivars.;Silicon affected several components of resistance to blast in susceptible, partially resistant, and resistant cultivars. The number of sporulating lesions was reduced by calcium silicate. Lesion size and sporulation per lesion were reduced by Si.;Silicon can be used to manage rice diseases, and may be useful to increase rice yields without further genetic improvements. |
