Transcriptomic and biochemical insights into fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) responses on silicon-treated maize

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an agricultural pest of significant economic concern globally, known for its adaptability, pesticide resistance, and damage to key crops such as maize. Conventional chemical pesticides pose challenges, including the development of resistance and environmental pollution. The study aims to investigate an alternative solution: the application of soluble silicon (Si) sources to enhance plant resistance against the fall armyworm.

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃) were applied to maize plants via foliar spray. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses were performed to study the gene expression changes in the fall armyworm feeding on Si-treated maize.

Results indicated a significant impact on gene expression, with a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in both SiO₂ and K₂SiO₃ treatments. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified critical DEGs involved in specific pathways, including amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, energy, xenobiotics metabolisms, signal transduction, and posttranslational modification, significantly altered at both Si sources. Biochemical analyses further revealed that Si treatments inhibited several enzyme activities (glutamate dehydrogenase, trehalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, chitinase, juvenile hormone esterase, and cyclooxygenase while simultaneously inducing others (total protein, lipopolysaccharide, fatty acid synthase, ATPase, and cytochrome P450), thus suggesting a toxic effect on the fall armyworm. In conclusion, Si applications on maize influence the gene expression and biochemical activities of the fall armyworm, potentially offering a sustainable pest management strategy.