Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. Mini V, Sree Parvathy P and Rahanabai H

Abstract:
Si has been shown to improve the growth and yield of many crops, particularly rice, which accumulates Si. Beyond increasing rice yield, Si treatment has additional benefits such as improving nutrient availability, reducing nutrient toxicity, and reducing biotic and abiotic stress in plants. To determine the impact of Si treatment on rice's ability to tolerate biotic and abiotic stress, a field experiment was conducted in two seasons (Kharif and Rabi) in 2022-2023. Various sources of Si, including potassium silicate, sodium silicate, rice husk ash, and fine silica, were evaluated to standardize the dose and mode of application for rice. A cost-effective method of Si nutrition was developed. The study examined the effect of Si application on the yield of rice grain and straw, and on the management of major biotic (stem borer incidence) and abiotic (iron toxicity) stress. The best treatment for increasing rice yield and managing biotic and abiotic stress in Typic Ustipsamments of Kerala was found to be soil test based NPK+ foliar application of 0.5% potassium silicate at maximum tillering stage and panicle initiation stage.