Exploring silicon supplementation as an alternative tool to enhance resistance to azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides) (Scott) (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

Sunday, November 9, 2025

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific

Location: Oregon Convention Center, D139-140, OCC

Presenting Author(s)

KG

Katerina Graham

Texas A&M University
Rowlett, Texas

Co-Author(s)

EJ

Eric Janasov

USDA - ARS
Washington, District of Columbia
RP

Ryan Paul

Oregon State University
CS

Carolyn Scagel

USDA ARS Horticultural Crops Plant Genetics and Improvement Research Unit
JL

Jana Lee

USDA-ARS
Corvallis, Oregon

The azalea lace bug (ALB) is a pest of azaleas and rhododendrons. The application of silicon (Si) to plants has been shown to accumulate in other plants and enhance defense to other plant pests. We evaluated whether Si applications decreased ALB infestation on rhododendrons and increased Si accumulation in leaves. Potted plants were treated with calcium silicate and calcium carbonate (calcium control, Ca) via foliar or soil application. Treated rhododendrons did not accumulate extra Si or Ca in leaves compared to controls. In general, silicon or calcium application protected rhododendrons from ALB oviposition in free-choice conditions and may be part of an integrated pest management program