Effect of product containing spores of Bacillus cereus strain RS87 on growth and yield of Thai rice cultivar RD49 under water stress conditions

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (1) to explore the potential of the rhizo-product Bacillus cereus strain RS87 [hereafter, “product”] in combination with different fertilizer regimes for enhancing rice tolerance to water stress while still maintaining good yield components, and (2) to examine the antioxidant defense system during water stress conditions. Results showed that rice treated with the product with at least 75% recommended fertilizer rate (RFR) tolerated water stress well and had mean total filled grain weight equivalent to rice growing naturally and receiving RFR alone. Meanwhile, water-stressed rice treated with RFR alone had mean total filled grain weight about 30% less than non-stressed rice with the same amount of fertilizer. In addition, two enzymatic components, SOD and PO activities, were significantly enhanced in rice treated with the product before and after water stress conditions compared to rice receiving RFR alone.

Keywords

• rhizo-product strain rs87
• water stress
• rice yield components
• antioxidative defense system
• rice cultivar rd49