Three experiments were performed to study the influence of the silicon on the reduction of the common bean (Phaseolum vulgaris) anthracnose. The first experiment involved a plant fertilized with calcium silicate and different inoculum concentrations of the Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (0, 10³, 10(4), 5x10(4), 10(5), 5x10(5) and 10(6) conidia/ml). In the concentration 10(6) conidia/ml the difference between calcium silicate and calcium oxide was evaluated for effects on the disease. The second experiment evaluated the influence of sodium and calcium silicate on the reduction of the anthracnose. In the third experiment, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray micro-analysis (EDAX) were used to study the effect of the silicon on the plant resistance mechanism. Five evaluations of the incidence, severity and leaf area were done, in the first and second experiment. Disease evaluation was made using area under disease progress curve for incidence (AUDPCI) and severity (AUDPCS) and healthy leaf area duration (HAD). Inoculum concentration was found to increase the AUDPCI and AUDPCS. In contrast, the HAD had decreased. Fertilization of plants with calcium silicate significantly reduced the AUDPCI and AUDPCS, when compared to inoculated control and fertilized plants by calcium oxide (CaO) with higher inoculum concentration. On the second trial, the application of sodium silicate on the leaves of the bean plant reduced AUDPCS by 62,4% when compared to control. When the treated leaves were scanned with SEM and EDAX was performed, although the silicon had reduced the disease, no accumulation of an external silicon barrier was observed with application of the element.
Colletotrichum lindemuthianum; mineral nutrition; inoculum concentration; Phaseolus vulgaris
