Augmented effects of silicon solubilizer on biochemical analysis of rice grains under normal and water stress conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Si solubilizer could increase nutrient content in rice grains and help mitigate the negative impacts of water stress conditions. A field trial was performed with eight genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for two seasons to estimate the effects of silicon (Si) solubilizer on rice grains under normal and water stress conditions. Treatments included control (T1), Si sprays (0.6% Ortho silicic acid) (T2), Si sprays + water stress (T3), and water stress only (T4). The findings showed that Si solubilizer had favorable impacts on protein, amylose, iron, and zinc across genotypes. Under water stress, the Si treatment significantly increased the protein content in IIRRH-148 (8.25%), amylose content in IIRRH-143 (18.74%), Fe content in husked seeds of 27P63 (381.36 µg/g), Fe content in dehusked seeds of 27P63 (185. 41 µg/g), Zn content in husked seeds of US-312 (48.09 µg/g), and Zn content in dehusked seeds of US-314 (37.34 µg/g). Given the harsh climate change scenarios, it was determined that the application of Si solubilizer enhances nutrient content, improves the quality of rice grains, and fulfills the needs of an ever-increasing population in the coming years. Therefore, the impact of this factor on increasing the nutrient content should be considered.