The variability of silicon absorption in sugarcane cultivars can be associate with its yield and sugarcane borer (D. saccharalis) incidence. The objective of this work was to evaluate silicon uptake by the leaves and accumulation in total aerial plant and its relationship to yield, quality and stalk borer in sugarcane cultivars. The experiment was carried out at Tietê, SP during March 2007 to July 2008, randomized complete blocks design with four replications and nine cultivars (IAC 86-2480, IAC 91-1099, IAC 87-3396, IACSP 94-4004, IACSP 93-6006, IACSP-93-3046, IACSP-94-2094, IACSP 94-2101, RB 86-7515). Yields were superior to 100 t ha-1 at 16 months of age and IAC 91-1099 and RB 86 7515 cultivars showed the highest diameter and height, respectively. The IAC 91-1099 showed the highest values of sugar and lowest to fiber content. Silicon content in leaves collected at 6 months showed not significant differences. The IACSP 93-3046, IACSP 93-6006 and IAC 91-1099 showed the highest silicon content in the leaves at 8 months and they were superior to 10 g kg-1 Si. Higher silicon content in the leaves was found for IAC 91-1099 at 10, 14 and 16 months and, in bagasse, to RB 86-7515 at 10 and 12 months. The foliar analysis collected at 8 months and the total aerial plant, collected just before harvest, were efficient to show differences on silicon uptake among cultivars. There was no relationship among Si uptake and yield and borer stalk incidence, which was reduced with increase of fiber content
yield; nutrition; soil; sugarcane borer
