Silicon (Si) can adversely affect insect herbivores, particularly in plants that evolved the ability to accumulate large quantities of Si. Very rapid herbivore‐induced accumulation of Si has recently been demonstrated, but the level of protection against herbivory this affords plants remains unknown. Brachypodium distachyon , a model Si hyperaccumulating grass, was exposed to the chewing herbivore, Helicoverpa armigera, and gr...

Silicon (Si) has an important role in mitigating diverse biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, mainly via the silicification of plant tissues. Environmental changes such as atmospheric CO 2 concentrations may affect grass Si concentrations which, in turn, can alter herbivore performance. We recently demonstrated that pre‐industrial atmospheric CO 2 increased Si accumulation in Brachypodium distachyon grass, yet the patterns o...