Fly ash as a source of silicon and potassium for mitigating Ear head bug (Leptocorisa acuta) 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 on ear head bug population. The population of ear head bug was assessed at regular intervals on plants imposed with treatments including 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 ear head bug as compared to untreated plots. The silicon content was analysed in ear head at flowering stage and it was negatively correlated with the insect population. As the age of the plant increased, silicon content proportionately increased in the plants at different growth stages. The Si present in the fly ash gets deposited in plant which in turn inhibits the feeding activity of ear head bug. Application of fly ash as a source of silica and potassium with SSB, FYM with STBK reduced the ear head bug population and increased the yield in rice.