By: Celso M. Cajucom 

DA-PhilRice 

PhilRice research shows silicon-rich rice varieties could combat lodging

SCIENCE City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – RESEARCHERS from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), applying silicon (Si) strengthens the stems of rice plants, making them more resistant to lodging.

Lodging, the bending or toppling of plants, is a major threat to rice crops, especially during typhoons and periods of heavy rain. By improving the rice plant’s physical and mechanical strength.

Silicon, is a common mineral found in soil, it will helps protect the plant from being damaged, strengthens the stems of rice plants, caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall

This research, titled “Silicon-Mapping: A Potential Tool to Assess Lodging Resistance of Rice,” led by PhilRice’ research team to determined that silicon absorption significantly impacts stem strength and overall lodging resistance.

“Rice that absorbs “Si” tends to develop stronger stems, which can improve its resistance to lodging,” the research said.

The research team measured the silicon content in the flag leaves of the plants during their reproductive stage. To evaluate stem strength, they used a push meter, examined the leaf surfaces using an electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray  (Sem-Edx) to detect and analyze silica deposits.

Research indicates that NSIC Rc 536 exhibited the highest pushing resistance at 1.11N, suggesting stronger stems, while Rc 298 had the highest silicon content at 18.37% by weight but lower stem strength. This discrepancy suggests lodging resistance involves factors beyond silicon, such as genetics and plant structure.

“Silicon is not yet classified as an essential nutrient, but it’s been shown to help cope with stress, we’re now moving toward testing these varieties in actual field environments to see how they perform.” research explained.

The research findings can assist breeders and researchers in developing new rice varieties that are better equipped to tolerate physical stress, and possibly even pest and disease pressures.

As part of its ongoing Rice Diversity Panel (RDP), the PhilRice conducted a study in a controlled screenhouse environment. This effort aims to identify rice lines with desirable traits, such as efficient silicon uptake.

In a crucial next phase, researchers are moving their study on silicon’s effect on rice lodging resistance from controlled environments to real-world fields.