Growth responses of rice (Oryza sativa Linn.) to cement dust pollution (a preliminary study)

Date

4-1995

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Major Course

Major in Ecology Genetics

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Virginia C. Cuevas

Abstract

Growth and development of rice around the Solid Cement Plant in Tagbak, Antipolo Rizal was studied. Four sites were established corresponding to four treatment sites. Rate of cement dust deposition was measured by exposing pre-weighed and pre-dried filter paper over a period of time. Chlorophyll concentration, leaf morphology and anatomy, plant height and tiller number were monitored during the vegetative and reproductive phases. Rice florets were also examined microscopically. Yield components such as number of panicles per square meter, number of spikelets per panicle, percent filled, half filled and unfilled grains and mean weight of 1000 grains were also monitored. Rate of cement dust deposition was affected by topographical wind direction and distance from the kiln. Results of monitoring total chlorophyll concentration showed that concentration decreased with increased dust pollution. Chlorophyll b concentration was observed to be higher than normal probably due to its increased synthesis as a result shading effect created by cement dust crustation on leaf surfaces. Stomatal pores were observed to be clogged with cement dust crystals. Trichomes collapse due to weight stress caused by dust. The computed yield as well as the actual yield were observed to be lower than the potential yield of the rice varieties planted. The decrease in yield maybe attributed to a number of factors. Yield decrease due to cement dust pollution was attributed to decrease in mean number of filled grains. There was an increase number of unfilled grains and decrease in grain weight. Increase in mean number of unfilled grains with increasing cement dust deposition maybe due to interference of dust, observed to be intercalating among the stigma, which affected fertilization and pollen grain germination. Decrease in grain weight was hypothesized to be due to increased respiration due to stomatal plugs and crustated cement on the leaf surfaces. Cluster analysis showed that different varieties have differential response to cement dust pollution. Varietal response may include plant height, tillering and number of panicle per square meter which contributed to the variability of observed yield.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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