Effect of Foliar Application of Signal Molecules on Growth Characteristics and Rice Yield (Oryza sativa L.) on Salinity Resilience

Abstract

Aims: The present study highlights the effect of foliar applied signal molecules on growth, yield and yield attributes of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under salinity stress. Study Design:  Randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh during kharif, 2023-24. Methodology: Experiment was carried out with two contrast varieties (MCM103- Salt tolerant, as a check; BPT 5204- Salt susceptible) and with eight treatments viz., MCM 103 (Check variety) - T1, 0.25 mM/L of SNP - T2, 0.50 mM/L of SA -T3, 0.50 mM/L of BR -T4, 0.25 mM/L SNP+ 0.50 mM/L SA -T5, 0.25 mM/L SNP+ 0.50 mM/L BR -T6, 0.25 mM/L SNP+ 0.50 mM/L SA+ 0.50 mM/L BR -T7 and No spray control -T8 in three replications. Results: The present study revealed that the foliar application of consortia, 0.25mM/L Sodium nitro prusside + 0.50mM/L Salicylic acid + 0.50mM/L Brassinosteroids (T7) showed better results under salinity stress of 4 dSm-1 in terms of improving growth besides increasing the yield and yield contributing characters in BPT 5204, a salt sensitive variety of rice. Conclusion: The foliar application of 0.25 mM/L of Sodium nitro prusside + 0.50 mM/L of Salicylic acid + 0.50 mM/L of Brassinosteroids at before and after reproductive stages under soil salinity of 4 dSm-1 can minimize the effect of salinity stress in BPT 5204.