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Student 10-Minute Presentation Competition

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Student Competition

Student

Grad 10-min Competition: P-IE, Field Crops 1

Investigating the impact of soil-applied silicon on insect pests in soybean

Monday, November 10, 2025
9:00 AM - 9:12 AM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, D139-140, OCC
Oral Presentation Student Competition
Redbanded stink bug (RBSB) (Piezodorus guildinii Westwood) and soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includes Walker) (SL) are major soybean pests in Louisiana due to their feeding behavior, which significantly reduces yield quality and quantity. While chemical control is effective, overreliance on insecticides raises concerns about resistance, environmental harm, and health risks. As a sustainable alternative, silicon (Si) amendments have shown potential in mitigating both abiotic and biotic stresses, including insect pests. This study evaluated the effects of Si soil amendments on RBSB and SL infestations and agronomic traits under field conditions. Trials were conducted in 2024 and 2025 at LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension (Alexandria, LA), LSU AgCenter Macon Ridge Research Station (Winnsboro, LA), and Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center (Beaumont, TX) using a split-plot design with four blocks and one replicate per block. Treatments include factorial combinations of silicon amendment, (Wollastonite Vansil W-19 used as silicon source), RBSB and SL infestations. Natural pest populations were monitored throughout the season. Si-treated plants resulted in higher Si content. No differences were observed in plant stands across locations, but Si-treated plants in Texas had significantly higher dry weights at the vegetative stage. Seed weight was not affected by Si treatment and Si alone did not significantly reduce RBSB seed damage. SL injury was not evaluated in 2024 due to low population levels