Researchers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)
found that certain bacteria enhance growth, root development, and grain yield
of upland rice varieties.
The study, Exploring the
potential of plant growth promoting actinomycetes to enhance upland rice
production, led by Jayvee A. Cruz evaluated the effectiveness of plant
growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in enhancing the growth and yield of upland
rice.
PGPB is recognized in
agriculture in reducing the use of chemical fertilizer due to its growth
promoting abilities.
Actinomycetes, the study
found, are the most economically and biotechnologically valuable bacteria. It
also showed the bacteria’s potential to stay in the plant and promote growth by
increasing the availability of primary nutrients.
“Actinomycetes can help
stimulate root development, and contribute to the increased capacity of the
root system for soil nutrients and water uptake to support plant growth.
Because of this, we applied the bacteria on upland rice to see its potential in
increasing upland rice productivity,” Ms. Cruz said.
Amongst 59 tested, Ms. Cruz
and her team identified S. mutabilis NB3 as the most promising.
“We found that S. mutabilis
NB3 with half inorganic fertilizer increased the grain yield from an
average of 600 kg/ha to 1,200 kg/ha, proving its potential to reduce fertilizer
input by half. It also increased root dry weight and tiller number of upland
rice varieties,” Ms. Cruz explained.
“Their enhanced growth and
ability to survive in Carbonized Rice Hull (CRH) demonstrate the potential
of actinomycetes as plant growth-promoting inoculant for upland rice.
The CRH could also be an alternate carrier other than soil for commercial use
in the future,” she added.
With an average yield of 1 to
1.5 t/ha, upland rice production suffers from factors such as low soil
fertility and moisture stress. To increase yield, there should be a high
application of inorganic fertilizer according to Ms. Cruz.
“Since the study showed its
potential to reduce fertilizer input by half, actinomycetes can help
farmers minimize their expenditures on fertilizers. It also enhances the
condition of the soil, improving its ability to take in water and nutrients,”
Ms. Cruz concluded. (PhilRice news)
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