The interactive effect of silicon and nitrogen on growth and spikelet filling in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Silicon as a beneficial element for rice improves leaf erectness leading to better light interception. Greenhouse hydroponic experiments were conducted using 0, 50 and 100 ppm silicon and two 40 and 80 ppm nitrogen to study silicon and nitrogen interaction on the growth and spikelet filling of rice. Data showed that addition of silicon in culture solution (pH 5) increased dry matter production and SiO2 accumulation in tissues regardless of N supply. Similar significant increases in harvest index and % spikelet filling were observed, resulting in improved grain yield. On the other hand, increased N supply significantly increased total dry weight in the absence or presence of SiO2. It was found that 100 ppm SiO2 increased dry matter accumulation at low N but both concentrations of SiO2 increased total dry weight at high N. The same trend of SiO2 effect was also true for grain yield. On the other hand, high level of SiO2 increased spikelet filling percentage only at high N supply. The above results indicate an interaction between SiO2 and N on growth and spikelet filling and a threshold concentration of SiO2 with N supply is likely to improve grain yield in rice.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

174-176

Document Type

Article

Subject

Grain filling, Nitrogen, Rice, Silicon

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