Synergistic effect of hydroponic technology of silicon and nutrient solution on wheat growth and wheat aphid management

Abstract BACKGROUND Silicon can enhance crop resistance, while nutrient solutions supply crops with essential nutrients for growth. Studies on the combined effects of silicon and nutrient solutions in wheat production are limited. RESULTS To explore this synergy, four silicon concentrations (SiO 2 : 0 g L −1 (control), 1 g L −1 , 2 g L −1 , and 3.5 g L −1 ) were applied to wheat seedlings grown with nutrient solution. An experiment to investigate the difference between soil culture and hydroculture of wheat treated by integrated silicon and nutrient solution to wheat growth and aphid control, including developmental duration, fecundity, alate aphid proportion, feeding preference of Sitobion avenae , silicon content, height and biomass of wheats. The results comparative experiments of hydroponic and soil cultivation techniques showed silicon increased silicon content of wheat leaves and reduced aphid longevity, reproduction, and increased alatae aphid percentage. Specially, the 2 g L −1 silicon treatment increased plant height and reduced aphid feeding selectivity at various time points. The combination of silicon and nutrient solution significantly enhanced wheat biomass, height and chlorophyll content compared to nutrient solution alone. Additionally, hydroponic cultivation with 2 g L −1 silicon and nutrient solution increased wheat biomass and reduced aphid fecundity compared to soil propagation. Regression analysis showed a significant negative linear correlation between aphid reproduction and leaf silicon content. CONCLUSION The synergistic effect of hydroponic technology using 2 g L −1 silicon fertilizer and nutrient solution promoted wheat growth, suppressed aphid reproduction, and altered aphid feeding preferences. These findings offer valuable insights for integrated management strategies against Sitobion avenae . © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.