Optimising potassium silicate priming for enhanced rice seed germination and resistance to golden apple snail infestation

Abstract

Golden apple snails are a detrimental pest in rice cultivation. Despite the use of various control methods, their infestation continues to cause significant damage. While seed priming and silica (Si) are known for their agricultural benefits, their combined effectiveness against snail infestation has not been thoroughly studied. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the germination performance of Si-primed rice seeds under different immersion times and concentrations, and to assess the response of Si-primed seedlings to snail infestation. Rice seeds (cv MR297) were primed by immersion for 6, 12, or 24 h in silicate solutions of 0, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 ppm. The germination test was arranged in a completely randomised design (CRD) with two replicates. Approximately 50 seeds were placed in each Petri dish. Percentage germination, time to 50% germination (T50), mean germination time (MGT), and lengths of the plumule and radicle were recorded. Seedling vulnerability was tested using alluvial and sandy soils in a CRD with three replicates. After 24 h of fasting, the snails were released, and the seedlings were assessed after 10 days. The results showed that immersion for 6 h was sufficient to maintain a higher germination percentage of 93% (p<0.05). T50 and MGT were significantly (p<0.05) lower, at 2.3 and 2.8 days, respectively, for seeds immersed for 6 and 12 h. Seedling vulnerability to golden apple snails differed significantly (p<0.05) and was highest in sandy soil (34±7.01%). Nutrient uptake may have altered the biochemical defences of rice seedlings.