Silicon is one of the most common elements in the Earth's crust. The role of silicon as a plant nutrient that ameliorates the effects of a wide range of abiotic and biotic environmental stressors has received considerable attention since the beginning of the 21st century. Silicon is taken up by plants in the form of monosilicic acid (Si(OH)4) and transported from the root to the shoot where it polymerizes into biogenic opal. There is growing evidence for a role of Si in induced defense of plants attacked by fungal pathogens and in increased tolerance of abiotic factors such as water stress and heavy metals. In addition, there is clear evidence that the high levels of silica in many plants, especially sugarcane and rice, have wide ranging anti-herbivore effects on both arthropod pests and vertebrates. Silicon increases the abrasiveness of plant leaves and increases hardness of stalks and shoots, which have negative effects on pests. These effects show that silica is able to alter feeding preference of herbivores for different plant species. Silicon-based defense can also affect pest performance. Both folivores and phloem and xylem feeders have been shown to have reduced growth rates, digestive efficiency and increased mouth part wear. Also, silicon-based defense can affect tritrophic interactions by altering the secondary chemical components released by plants. There are many published references indicated that silicon can enhance resistance of sugarcane cultivars against stalk borers and plant feeding mites in both pot and field trials. These unique achievements are very important in the sugar industry because in a monoculture system like sugarcane it is mandatory to focus on non-chemical based pest control strategies. In this paper we reviewed all aspects of silicon-based defense and the role of silicon as a component of integrated pest management programs, especially in sugarcane scenario. (Texte integral)