Maximum Tillering Research Articles

A cumulative assessment of plant growth stages and selenium supplementation on arsenic and micronutrients accumulation in rice grains

Arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grain and subsequent transmission into the food chain is a major global concern. Numerous attempts to minimize As accumulation in rice have been researched till date. The current investigation evaluates the relative susceptibility of different growth stages of rice plant to As stress in terms of As accumulation in grain at maturity using sixty treatment combinations. Our findings suggest that supplementing with selenium (Se) resulted in minimizing As content significantly (at P < 0.001 level) in grain, irrespective of growth stages where As stress was introduced. The findings registered the following order of susceptibility to As stress: flowering > grain filling > maximum tillering. Our findings also showed that Se primed rice plants restricts majority of As accumulation in the root itself and minimizes As translocation to the above ground part. The results of this study shows that cultivation of Se primed seeds can be (i) an effective means to minimize As accumulation in rice, and (ii) potential mode of biofortification of rice grain with essential nutrient elements {iron (8.47–10.17 mg L-1), zinc (7.14–8.05 mg L-1), manganese (17.92–19.71 mg L-1) and copper (3.18–3.28 mg L-1)} improving the recommended dietary intake of micronutrients, an invaluable strategy especially for malnourished rice dependent populations. Using machine learning this study also predicts that the Se concentration of 0.862 mg L−1 could be the most effective input in minimizing As content and enhancing other micronutrient content, irrespective of As stress.

Influence Of Varietal Duration And Nitrogen Fertilization In Augmenting Micronutrient Uptake And Yield Of Rice

Lack of micronutrients in diet lead to health anomalies in human, to solve which diet-based availability can be looked upon. The goal of the current research is to ascertain how micronutrient uptake and yield of boro rice are influenced by the duration of the variety and graded doses of nitrogen fertilization. The field trial was conducted in the boro season of 2022 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Gayeshpur, Nadia in a thrice replicated split plots with nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) in main plot and varieties (short duration-Satabdi, medium duration-Pratikshya and long duration-Swarna masuri) in sub-plots. At both maximum tillering and harvest stage, increase in nitrogen fertilization levels significantly increased the uptake of Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn and biomass yield significantly. However, while Fe and Mn concentrations were highest for N application at 150 kg ha-1, N application at 100 and 150 kg ha-1 statistically registered at par Zn and Cu values. Varietal influence on grain and straw yield as well as micronutrient uptake in harvest may be linked to their life cycle pattern where Partikshya considerably outperformed short duration Satabdi variety. Worst performance of Swarna Masuri variety may possibly be attributed to the inherent varietal characteristics and exposure to terminal moisture and heat stress at the months of May and June. Judicious management of nitrogen fertilizer may be a viable non- traditional approach for micronutrient nutrition in rice.

Modeling The Uptake Of Cationic Micronutrients And Rice Grain Yield At Different Graded Dose Of Nitrogen Fertilization

The current study has been directed to find out a relationship whether such graded doses of nitrogen fertilizer can influence the pattern of micronutrient uptake and yield of the rice plant. The field experiment was carried out during the boro season of 2022 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia. The experiment was designed in a thrice replicated Randomized blocks with nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1). A statistical analysis was carried out through Correlation- Regression studies which analyzed the relationship between nitrogen application and micronutrient uptake by rice. Correlation study of N uptake under graded doses of fertilizer application with the uptake of micronutrients followed the pattern Zn (r=0.985**)&gt;Fe (r=0.962**)&gt;Cu (0.953**)&gt;Mn (r=0.947**) and Zn (r=0.980**)&gt;Mn (r=0.948**)&gt;Cu (0.944**)&gt;Fe (r=0.939**) for rice grains and straw at harvest, respectively. The correlation of yield with grain N, straw N and N at maximum tillering stage also revealed a positive value. The Linear Regression (LR) models confirmed that incremental doses of N have a significant association with the uptakes of micronutrients. Thus, judicious management of N fertilizer can be a viable non-traditional approach for micronutrient nutrition in rice.

Agro-Morphological, Yield and Biochemical Responses of Selected Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes to Salt Stress

Wheat is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses, especially salinity, which reduces the growth and yield drastically. With this view, an experiment was conducted to observe genotypic differences in agro-morphological, yield, and biochemical responses to salinity. Experimental variables consisted of five salt-tolerant genotypes (G 13, G 20-1, G 9, G 22, G 20-2), one susceptible genotype (G 24) and one standard check variety (BARI ghom 25), which assigned to four levels of salinity with electrical conductivities 0, 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1. Irrespective of genotypes, salinity stress significantly decreased the yield and yield attributes. However, maximum total tillers plant−1, effective tillers plant−1, number of grains spike−1, and grain yield plant−1 was found in salt tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-1, and the lowest was observed in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. The lowest reduction percentage of yield and yield attributes were also observed in salt tolerant genotype G 20-2 followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-2, and the maximum reduction percentage was found in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. Results showed that the highest amount of proline, glycinebetaine, soluble sugar and soluble protein content were observed in salt-tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-1, and the minimum was found in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. On the other hand, the lowest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and melondealdehyde (MDA) accumulation was detected in the same salt-tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by G 13, G 20-1, and the maximum was observed in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. Therefore, higher accumulations of compatible solute in the tolerant genotypes reduce the oxidative stress, and provide the higher yield.

Yield performance of normal and late sown wheat in response to seed priming and foliar applied nutrients

An investigation was carried out to determine the impact of seed priming i.e. non-primed and primed seed with 2.0% KCl for 12 hr and twice foliar nutrition i.e. no spray, 0.5% ZnSO4, 0.5% CaCl2, 0.5% KNO3, and 2.0% urea on yield execution of normal sown (November 28) and late sown (Late sown) wheat. The results revealed that in both years of study, wheat planted on November 28 produced significantly higher grain yield with a comparable difference in number of spikes per square meter, spike length, number of fertile spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, and 1000-grain weight. There was 23.0% and 24.0% decrease in grain yield for the late sowing on Late sown when compared with normal sowing on November 28 in first year and second year, respectively. Primed seeds were not significantly impacted in comparison to the non-primed seed. In contrast with no spray, spraying of various nutrients twice at maximum tillering and 80% flowering recorded significant improvement in yield of wheat crop. Highest yields were recorded with a foliar spray of 2.0% urea followed by 0.5% ZnSO4, 0.5% KNO3, and 0.5% CaCl2. The significant interaction between sowing dates and foliar spraying demonstrates that foliar spray of urea at the rate of 2.0% and ZnSO4 at the rate of 0.5% at maximum tillering and 80% flowering stage were financially more reasonable choices for both the planting dates and can increase grain yield.

Changes in Wheat Rhizosphere Carbon Pools in Response to Nitrogen and Straw Incorporation

Large-scale burning of rice straw causes air pollution and deterioration of soil health, which challenges the sustainability of the rice–wheat system (RWS) in north-western India. In a field experiment on sandy loam (Typic Ustochrept) soil at Punjab Agricultural University, India, with split plot design, effects of four nitrogen (N) levels (0, 90, 120, and 150 kg N ha−1) in main plots and four levels of rice straw (RS) incorporation (0, 5, 7.5, and 10 Mg ha−1) in wheat in sub-plots were studied after 7 years on carbon (C) pools at maximum tillering (MT) and flowering (FL) stages of wheat and crop yields. Rice straw (RS) incorporation at 10 Mg ha−1 with N application at 120 kg N ha−1 in wheat not only increased labile C pools significantly especially at MT but also increased the wheat yield compared with no straw incorporation. Principal component analysis suggests that total polysaccharide carbon, basal soil respiration, and pH can be used as sensitive parameters for assessing soil quality in RWS.

Effect of Biofortified and Non-Biofortified Varieties and Zinc Fertilization Strategies on Growth, Productivity and Profitability of Rice

The field experiment was conducted in the rainy (Kharif, June to October) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India with the objective to appraise the effect of biofortified and non-biofortified varieties and zinc fertilization strategies on the growth, productivity and profitability of rice. The biofortified variety DRR Dhan 45 recorded a higher value of dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, and crop growth rate, and the non-biofortified variety Pusa 44 recorded higher effective tillers, panicle weight, filled grain weight per panicle, number of filled grains and total grains per panicle, fertility percentage and grain yield (5.2 t ha-1), though the performance of both varieties was statistically similar. But, the higher straw yield was recorded with the non-biofortified variety, Pusa Basmati 1121 (10.8 t ha-1). Pusa Basmati 1509 recorded higher cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and B:C. Among zinc fertilization strategies, soil application of 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 along with the foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4.7H2O at maximum tillering and anthesis stages recorded higher growth parameters, yield, and yield attributes and better economics. On average, the soil+foliar Zn application increased grain yield by 14% and straw yield by 10.5%, and gross returns and net returns by 15.6% and 26.7%, respectively, than the control. Cultivation of rice varieties, Pusa 44 or DRR Dhan 45, along with soil+foliar Zn fertilization enhanced growth and productivity, while the aromatic variety, Pusa Basmati 1509 enhanced the profitability.

Landscape diversity influences the arthropod species diversity in the rice field

Landscape diversity is one of the key drivers for maintaining ecosystem services in agricultural production by providing vital habitats and alternative food sources for beneficial insects and pollinators within the agricultural landscapes. The landscape structure, land uses, and diversity differ between geographic locations. However, how the changes of landscape structure and land use diversity affect the arthropod diversity in a geographic area is poorly understood. Here, we tested the impact of landscape diversity on the rice locations in Bangladesh. Results ranged from highly diversified to very highly diversified in Chattogram (&amp;gt;7.9), to highly diversified (0.590.79) in Satkhira and moderately (0.390.59) to less diversified (0.190.39) in Patuakhali. These significant different landscape diversities influenced the arthropod diversity in rice fields. Arthropod species diversity increases with the increase in the Land Use Mix (LUM) index. The maximum tillering stage of rice growth harbored higher abundance and species diversity in rice fields. Moreover, we found that vegetation is the most important factor influencing the abundance of arthropods. Extensive agriculture and forest contributed substantially to predicting arthropod richness. Meanwhile, barren land and high-density residential land as well as intensive agriculture had large impact on species diversity. This study indicates that landscape diversity plays a vital role in shaping the species diversity in rice fields, providing guidelines for the conservation of arthropod diversity, maximizing natural pest control ecosystem service and more secure crop production itself.

Differences in rice yield and biomass accumulation dynamics for different direct seeding methods after wheat straw return

AbstractField experiments were performed in 2019 and 2020 to explore yield performance and biomass accumulation dynamics for different direct‐seeded rice methods after wheat straw return. The experimental treatments included two direct‐seeded rice methods (dry direct‐seeded rice and wet direct‐seeded rice) and two wheat straw return treatments (with and without wheat straw return). Wheat straw return had a negative impact on the yield and biomass of direct‐seeded rice. Compared with wet direct‐seeded rice, dry direct‐seeded rice was more negatively affected, with yield and biomass reduced by 6.7%–7.6% and 5.4%–6.5%, respectively. The yield loss was mainly associated with insufficient total spikelet numbers caused by reduced panicle numbers. A lower maximum tiller number caused by the restricted seedling tillering capacity was partly responsible for the inadequate panicle numbers in direct‐seeded rice after wheat straw return. Wheat straw return reduced the maximum and average rate of biomass accumulation, shortened the duration of effective biomass accumulation, and delayed the days to achieve the maximum rate of biomass accumulation for direct‐seeded rice. The negative effect of wheat straw return on direct‐seeded rice was concentrated mainly in the early stage; reduction in the average biomass accumulation rate in the early stage accounted for 61.1%–75.3% of the reduction in total average rate. Wet direct‐seeded rice had a higher average rate and amount of biomass accumulation at the early stage, a greater maximum tiller number, as well as a stronger photosynthetic ability and grain filling ability after heading, which contributed to improving panicle number and total spikelet number, ultimately increasing yield and biomass compared with dry direct‐seeded rice. These results demonstrate that wheat straw return reduced yield and biomass, mainly by inhibiting growth in the early stage of direct‐seeded rice. However, the wet direct‐seeding method decreased the losses in yield and biomass after wheat straw return.

Growth and yield of several Gogo rice varieties (Oryza Sativa L.) applicated by various P sources in Ultisol Planting Media

Gogo rice productivity is still low because farmers still use local varieties of Gogo rice and most of it is cultivated on marginal soils such as Ultisol. Ultisol soils contain low available P due to P fixation by Al and Fe. The existence of Gogo rice varieties that can compensate for the high Al content in Ultisol soil and can neutralize Al in plants is one of the right solutions in overcoming the problem of Al poisoning. While the constraint of the lack of availability of P nutrients in Ultisol requires the application of P fertilizer. This study aims to determine the growth and yield of several Gogo rice varieties given various P sources and to determine the best Gogo rice varieties and the best P sources in Ultisol. The research method used a Split Plot Design. The main plot is Gogo rice varieties consisting of three levels, namely; Kuku Balam, Dogor, and Inpago 10, as well as subplots are various sources of P consisting of four levels, namely; No P, 0.4 g TSP, 0.7 g rock phosphate, and 1.8 g guano. The results showed that administration of 0.4 g TSP was the best source of P in Gogo rice than without P, ​​administration of RP, and guano on the value of P nutrient uptake, maximum tillers, productive tillers, flowering age, harvest age, number of grains per panicle, percentage pithy grain, the weight of dry milled grain per clump and the ratio of grain and straw. The Kuku Balam variety had a nutrient uptake value of P (130.91 mg/clump), the number of grains per panicle (210.63 grains) and the weight of milled dry grain per clump (42.11 g) which were the best yields compared to the Dogor and Inpago 10.

PERFORMANCE OF HIGH YIELDING RICE VARIETIES OF BANGLADESH

The performance of BRRI dhan28, BRRI dhan47, BRRI dhan50 and one exotic rice variety Koshihikari (Japanese) was observed in boro season from November, 2011 to May, 2012. The varieties were evaluated on growth, yield and yield contributing characteristics of rice. In the early stages of growth viz. 60 DAS, 70 DAS and 90 DAS Koshihikari variety had the maximum plant height. BRRI dhan47 was the tallest (93.20 cm) and Koshihikari was the shortest plant (78.32 cm) at the time of harvest. In the early stage (60 DAS) the tiller number hill-1 was maximum for the BRRI dhan28 (12.48) and in the time of harvesting Koshihikari had the maximum tiller number hill-1(16.08). Koshihikari was the earliest variety compare to the other varieties because it took the minimum time for booting (73.8 DAS), flowering (85.8 DAS), grain maturity (113.2 DAS) and harvesting (124 DAS). The effective tiller number per hill-1 was significantly higher for the Koshihikari variety (16.08) from the other three high yielding varieties of Bangladesh. The longest panicle length had been observed in BRRI dhan47 (22.62 cm) and shortest was found in Koshihikari (14.91 cm). The number of spikelet and grain panicle-1 was highest for the BRRI dhan50 (136.12 and 119.34 respectively) and minimum for Koshihikari (66.42 and 59.57 respectively). BRRI dhan47 had the maximum 1000-grain weight (22.23 g) and BRRI dhan50 had the minimum (17.32 g). The maximum yield was found in BRRI dhan47 (7.61 t ha-1) and the lowest yield was observed in Koshihikari (5.60 t ha-1). The straw yield and biological yield was highest for the BRRI dhan50 and lowest for Koshihikari. The harvest index was found maximum in Koshihikari (59.67 %) and minimum in BRRI dhan50 (52.57 %).

Effect of Crop Growth Stages on the Field Population of Rice Hoppers

The rice hoppers viz., brown plant hopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), white-backed planthopper (WBPH) Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) and green leafhopper (GLH) Nephotettix virescens Distant cause loss in rice and the damage is influenced by plant growth stages. Field experiment has been conducted in this study to evaluate the effect of the growing stages on the incidence of these hoppers at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India during kharif 2018 and 2019. The results revealed that the incidence is significantly varying among the growth stages, and positively correlated (p &lt; 0.05). Nilaparvata lugens and S. furcifera are the most abundant during the maximum tillering to booting stage. In contrast that of N. virescens peaked during the booting to flowering stage.

Evaluating the responses of some wheat landraces and cultivars cultivated locally in Saudi Arabia to three sources of irrigation water

This study was aimed to investigate the response of some wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces to three irrigation sources, freshwater (FW), well water (WW), and treated municipal wastewater (TMW), regarding the impact on growth, yield, and grains elements contents. The results showed that the various wheat landraces irrigated with treated wastewater were significantly taller (117.3 cm) with multi tillers (22 tiller plant-1), had maximum spikes per plant (2.6), and longer weighty spikes (14.5 cm &amp; 12.1 g). Landraces L1(Burr), L2 (Baldy Burr), C7 (Yecora Rojo), had maximum tillers, L4 (Alssamaa Burr), L5 (Bahaal Burr), L7 (Yecora Rojo) had more spikes per plant and the longer weighty spikes were recorded in L5 Baldy Burr, L1(Burr), heavy spikes were reported in L5 (Bahaal Burr) and L1(Burr). Moreover, these landraces had the highest yield per plant and 1000 grains weight (49.8 g, 12.5 g) respectively. The N, P, K, and Mg contents were increased under TMW, and their levels in landraces and cultivars in order are 3&gt;L2&gt;L4&gt;L5&gt;L1&gt;C6&gt;C7. Even Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn levels were higher in various landraces irrigated with TMW, however, L3, L2, and L4 had maximum contents of all microelements. TMW irrigation enhanced growth, yield, and grain quality in terms of essential elements. The irrigation of landraces L1, L4, L5 with TMW may be a feasible alternative for sustainable wheat production and safe water in arid regions such as Saudi Arabia.

QTL-Seq Approach Identified Pi63 Conferring Blast Resistance at the Seedling and Tillering Stages of Thai Indigenous Rice Variety “Phaladum”

Rice blast (BL) caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is a fungal disease causing significant yield losses in rice production worldwide. To overcome the breakdown of resistance by the rapid adaptation of pathogens, identifying resistance (R) genes or QTLs in indigenous rice, which harbors the R genes that co-evolved with the local pathogen race, is necessary. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between RD6 and Phaladum (PLD) was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for BL resistance through a QTL-seq approach. A single QTL (qBLchr4) associated with BL resistance at the seedling and maximum tillering stages was mapped on the long arm of chromosome 4. Five genes, LOC_Os04g0616600, LOC_Os04g0617900 (OsGLP4-1), LOC_Os04g0619600 (OsRLCK161), LOC_Os04g0620800 (Pi63), and LOC_Os04g0621500, were considered the candidate genes representing qBLchr4. Subsequently, the Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers specific for the SNP variant and position of each gene were designed for validation in the mapping population. These markers showed the high phenotypic variance explained (PVE) values in all testing methods and/or environments, signifying the major effect of qBLchr4. Among these markers, the Pi63-KASP marker explained the highest and most stable phenotypic variation across all testing methods and/or environments, with 84.18%, 80.34%, and 23.43% in the upland short row (USR) method, Sila environment, and Mueang environment, respectively. Therefore, Pi63 was suggested to be the strongest candidate gene. These results represent the potential utility of future BL resistance breeding and/or pyramiding using marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Identification of quantitative trait loci for tillering, root, and shoot biomass at the maximum tillering stage in rice

Tillering and plant biomass are key determinants of rice crop productivity. Tillering at the vegetative stage is associated with weed competition, nutrient uptake, and methane emissions. However, little information is available on quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with tiller number (qTN), root biomass (qRB), and shoot biomass (qSB) at the active tillering stage which occurs approximately 6 weeks after planting. Here, we mapped tiller and biomass QTLs with ~ 250 recombinant inbred lines derived from a ‘Francis’ by ‘Rondo’ cross using data collected at the maximum tillering stage from two years of greenhouse study, and further compared these QTLs with those mapped at the harvest stage from a field study. Across these three studies, we discovered six qTNs, two qRBs, and three qSBs. Multiple linear regression further indicated that qTN1-2, qTN3-3, qTN4-1, qRB3-1, and qRB5-1 were significant at the maximum tillering stage while qTN3-2 was detected only at the harvest stage. Moreover, qTN3-1 was consistently significant across different developmental stages and growing environments. The genes identified from the peak target qTN regions included a carotenoid metabolism enzyme, a MYB transcription factor, a CBS domain-containing protein, a SAC3/GANP family protein, a TIFY motif containing protein, and an ABC transporter protein. Two genes in the qRB peak target regions included an expressed protein and a WRKY gene. This knowledge of the QTLs, associated markers, candidate genes, and germplasm resources with high TN, RB and SB is of value to rice cultivar improvement programs.

Impact of different levels of zinc and nitrogen on growth, productivity, and quality of aromatic rice cultivated under various irrigation regimes in two districts of Pakistan.

Rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the global population and it is one of the most valuable cereal crops. To fulfill the dietary requirement of the ever-growing world population, an increase in per-unit production of rice is direly required. In Pakistan, it stands as the 2nd in consumption after wheat, which is a staple food. A huge gap is observed between yield potential and actual yield of the aromatic rice cultivars at a farmer-field level. The significant limitations responsible for this gap are shortage of irrigation water, inappropriate application of fertilizers, less plant population, deficiency of micronutrients, and improper and poor plant protection measures. A field study was planned to assess the yield response and quality attributes of aromatic rice to three levels of zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) under three irrigation regimes (8-, 12-, and 16-acre inches) in the Sheikhupura and Sargodha districts of Pakistan. Irrigation treatments significantly influenced the growth, yield, and quality attributes; however, maximum improvement was observed by the application of irrigation at 12-acre inches. Among the Zn treatments, application of Zn at 10 kg ha–1 was observed to be more responsive to improving the growth and quality parameters of aromatic rice crops. In the case of N treatments, application of N at 140 kg ha–1 produced the maximum total tillers, as well as productive tillers per hill, spikelets per panicle, leaf area index, leaf area duration, crop growth rate, total dry matter, harvest index, kernel length, kernel width, and 1,000-kernel weight. Application of N at 140 kg ha–1 not only improved the growth attributes but also increased the net assimilation rate, photosynthetically active radiation, and radiation use efficiency, with respect to total dry matter and kernel yield. The maximum percentage of normal kernels and minimum percentage of opaque, abortive, and chalky kernels were also recorded by application of N at 140 kg ha–1. The outcomes of current experiments depicted that application of irrigational water, zinc, and nitrogen at 12-acre inches, 10, and 140 kg ha–1, respectively, are responsible to achieve maximum resource utilization efficiency, along with increased yield and quality of rice.

Effect of Sulphur and Boron on Growth and Yield of Boro Rice in Calcareous Soil of Bangladesh

The experiment was constructed with Sulphur (S) and Boron (B) with three doses of each, i.e., S0: without Sulphur (control), S20: 20kg S/ha, S30: 30kg S/ha and B0: without Boron (control), B2: 2kg B/ha, B3: 3kg B/ha to study the effect on Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan-28). In case of Sulphur, the treatment S20 obtained the maximum plant height (97.811cm), maximum tillers hill-1 (26.184) at harvest, highest panicle length (24.98cm), maximum grains panicle-1 (167.37), maximum 1000-grain weight (27.57 g), maximum grain yield (5.46t/ha) and straw yield (5.71t/ha), maximum biological yield (11.17t/ha) and HI (48.88%). Whereas, maximum filled grains panicle-1 (147.37) and minimum unfilled grains panicle-1 (17.89) were found in S30. In case of Boron, the highest plant height (96.378 cm) was found in B3. Highest number of total tiller hill-1 (25.149), longest panicle (24.17 cm), highest number of total grains panicle-1 (165.78), filled grains panicle-1 (144.04) and minimum unfilled grains panicle-1 (21.74), maximum 1000-grain weight (25.24 g), highest grain, straw and biological yield (4.84, 5.43 and 10.27t/ha, respectively) and highest HI (47.13%) were found in B2.The treatment combination S20B2 performed the best response than other treatments. Plant height was highest (100.30 cm) in S20B3 treatment combination at harvest. However, the maximum tillers hill-1 (28.78) at harvest, highest panicle length (26.94 cm), maximum grains panicle-1 (177.57), maximum filled grains panicle-1 (150.27) and minimum unfilled grains panicle-1 (27.30), highest 1000-grain weight (29.75 g), highest grain, straw and biological yield (6.30, 5.91 and 12.21t/ha, respectively) and higher HI (51.60%) were found in S20B2 treatment combination.

Panicle Ratio Network: streamlining rice panicle measurement by deep learning with ultra-high-definition aerial images in the field.

The heading date and effective tiller percentage are important traits in rice, and they directly affect plant architecture and yield. Both traits are related to the ratio of the panicle number to the maximum tiller number, referred to as the panicle ratio (PR). In this study, an automatic PR estimation model (PRNet) based on a deep convolutional neural network was developed. Ultra-high-definition unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images were collected from cultivated rice varieties planted in 2384 experimental plots in 2019 and 2020 and in a large field in 2021. The determination coefficient between estimated PR and ground-measured PR reached 0.935, and the root mean square error values for the estimations of the heading date and effective tiller percentage were 0.687 d and 4.84%, respectively. Based on the analysis of the results, various factors affecting PR estimation and strategies for improving PR estimation accuracy were investigated. The satisfactory results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using UAVs and deep learning techniques to replace ground-based manual methods to accurately extract phenotypic information of crop micro targets (such as grains per panicle, panicle flowering, etc.) for rice and potentially for other cereal crops in future research.

Evaluation of Rice Varieties for Growth and Yield Performance in Aerobic Cultivation

A field experiment was carried out to identify the best suitable rice variety for aerobic cultivation in the Cauvery delta region. Ten ruling varieties were sown for two consecutive Kharif seasons, with regular nutrient and weed management practices under aerobic condition. Growth parameters viz.,plant height, leaf area index, root length and dry root weight were studied. Similarly yield parameters viz., panicles m-2, Dry matter production at flowering and grain yield were studied. The study revealed that the rice variety ANNA 4, proved to be the best in terms of production (ie) 3.9 tonnesha-1 in the first season and 3.8 tonnesha-1 in the second season respectively. Pant height at different stages viz., maximum tillering, panicle initiation, flowering and harvest was highest in ANNA 4 followed by PMK 3.Similar was the case with root length,dry root weight, panicles m-2 and dry matter production at flowering stage. Leaf area index was highest for ADT 45 followed by IR50. The above results reveal that ANNA 4 is the most suitable rice variety for aerobic cultivation in the Cauvery delta region.

Zinc Fertilizers Modified the Formation and Properties of Iron Plaque and Arsenic Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a Life Cycle Study.

This study examined the effect of three forms of zinc fertilizers on arsenic (As) accumulation and speciation in rice tissues over the life cycle of this cereal crop in a paddy soil. The formation and properties of iron plaque on rice roots at the maximum tillering stage and the mature stage were also determined. Elevated As at 5 mg/kg markedly lowered the rice yield by 86%; however, 100 mg/kg Zn fertilizers significantly increased the rice yield by 354-686%, regardless of the Zn form. Interestingly, only Zn2+ significantly lowered the total As in rice grains by 17% to 3.5 mg/kg and As(III) by 64% to around 0.5 mg/kg. Zinc amendments substantially hindered and, in the case of zinc oxide bulk particles (ZnOBPs), fully prevented the crystallization of iron oxides (Fe3O4 and Fe2O3) and silicon oxide (SiO2) and altered the composition of iron plaques on rice roots. SiO2 was first reported to be a significant component of iron plaque. Overall, ZnOBPs, ZnO nanoparticles, and Zn2+ displayed significant yet distinctive effects on the properties of iron plaque and As accumulation in rice grains, providing a fresh perspective on the potentially unintended consequences of different Zn fertilizers on food safety.