Effect of fly ash as a source of silicon and potassium on the disease incidence of Brown leaf spot in rice under different abiotic stress condition

Abstract

Experiments were carried out in two field conditions (induced drought and flood stress) to analyse the effect of fly ash which is a source of silicon on incidence of brown leaf spot disease (Helminthosporium oryzae) and grain yield of rice. The treatments include fly ash, Silicate Solubilizing Bacteria (SSB), Farm yard manure (FYM), and graded levels of soil test based potassium. The results revealed that the combination of Fly ash, SSB, FYM, with graded level of soil test based potassium significantly reduced the incidence of Brown leaf spot disease as compared to untreated plots. The silicon content was analysed in the leaf blade and it was negatively correlated with the brown leaf spot disease. As the age of the plant increased, silicon content proportionately increased in the plants at different growth stages. Further, the incidence of brown leaf spot was negatively correlated with yield. Application of fly ash as a source of silica and potassium with SSB, FYM with STBK reduced the incidence of Brown leaf spot and increased the yield in rice.