Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Silicon on Soybean Growth and Development in the Field

ABSTRACT Applications of silicon (Si) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to soils to increase plant resistance and plant growth and development are potential alternatives in soybean cultivation. Si and AMF promote growth and stress tolerance through increased absorption of essential micro and macronutrients, restriction of toxic ion uptake, increased root hydraulic conductance and water uptake, thus contributing to increased water use efficiency and improved defense response and development. Many studies highlight the importance of both in regulating plant growth under stressful conditions. Furthermore, recent studies have revealed the cumulative effects of Si and AMF in imparting stress tolerance when applied together. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effects of soil application of Si and AMF on the development of soybean and the resistance and tolerance of soybean to different species of insect pests in the field. The experiments showed that the application of AMF and Si to the soil individually or in combination positively influenced soybean development and improved some aspects of the tolerance of soybean. The results of this work are important for the development of sustainable alternatives in the cultivation and protection of this important crop, as they demonstrate that the application of Si and AMF in the soil is beneficial for soybean crops.