Applying Boron Fertilizer at Different Growth Stages Promotes Boron Uptake and Productivity in Rice
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and yield. We investigated the optimal growth stage for B fertilizer application to improve rice production. The study was conducted using a 2 × 4 factorial design in a randomized complete block during the rainy season of 2022. We utilized two premium Thai rice varieties Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105) and Pathum Thani 1 (PTT1), and four soil B fertilizer treatments: a control (no B application), B application at the tillering stage, B application at the flowering stage, and B application at both the tillering and flowering stages. The results showed that the application of B fertilizer at the flowering stage and at both the tillering and flowering stages increased grain yield of KDML105 by 25.0% and 34.0%, respectively. In contrast, the grain yield of PTT1 showed no response to B application. The increased grain yield of KDML105 was attributed to an increased number of panicles per plant and a higher filled grain rate, which was due to the elevated B concentration in all plant parts and the total B uptake, particularly when B was applied at the flowering and tillering stages. Notably, B application increased the fertilized grain rates and reduced the proportion of unfertilized grains, a phenomenon that corresponded with the increased B concentration across all plant parts. The total B uptake ranged from 5.11 to 15.85 mg/m 2 in KDML105 and from 8.37 to 24.26 mg/m 2 in PTT1, with the highest total B uptake observed when B was applied at both the tillering and flowering stages for both rice varieties.
Source: Rice Science
Institution: Chiang Mai University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Chiang Mai University
OpenAlex ID: W4403842482