Mesyuarat Pemantauan Projek PR 2020

MARDI-BASF COLLABORATION PROJECT ON THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL RICE VARIETY TOLERANT TO

THE IMIDAZOLINE HERBICIDE

Dilipkumar Masilamany1, Elixon Sunian1, Mohamad Bahagia Ab Ghaffar2, Rahiniza Kamaruzaman3,
Amirrudin Mokhtar1, Siti Norsuha Misman1, Kogeethavani Ramachandran1, Mohd Fitri Masarudin1, Shahida

Hashim1, Hairazi Rahim4

1Rice Research Center, MARDI Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang

2Industrial Crop Research Center, MARDI Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang

3Rice Research Center, MARDI Serdang, Selangor

4Socio Economy and Agribusiness Science Research Center, MARDI Serdang, Selangor

ABSTRACT

The project was started on 2016 and expected to be end in October 2021. This project mainly focused to
develop a new imidazolinone tolerant rice variety that improve in term of better pest and disease
management, better yield production, and improve stewardship guidelines as compared to MR220CL1
and MR220CL2. Two lines PCL2 and PCL38 were identified as a potential line and evaluated at LVT
level at 4 locations, namely MARDI Tanjung Karang, MARDI Arau, MARDI Parit, and MARDI
Seberang Perai. The next process will be up scaling which will be evaluated at 2 locations, namely
MARDI Arau and MARDI Tanjung Karang. Herbicide package has been finalized however the usage
of Kifix in the new stewardship guideline is still pending. Fertilizer package has been finalized. The new
variety is expected to be released in the second season of 2021.

Keywords: weedy rice, herbicide tolerant rice, Clearfield rice, imidazolinone, resistant

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of breeding program in this project are (1) to develop new Imidazolinone tolerant
varieties through gene transfer from current Clearfield, (2) to develop suitable agronomic practice for
the newly developed varieties, and (3) finger printing for the all new developed herbicides tolerant
varieties. The objectives of stewardship program of this project are (1) to identify imidazolinone
resistant weedy rice populations in Peninsular Malaysia, (2) to determine resistant-level of weedy rice
towards premix of imazapic plus imazapyr and single formulations of imazapic and imazapyr, (3) to
determine effects of pretilachlor, premix of saflufenacil plus DMTA, DMTA, and pendimethalin on
emergence and growth of imidazolinone-resistant weedy rice under different watering regimes, (4) to
determine effects of tillage system incorporated with pre-plant herbicide on emergence and growth of
imidazolinone-resistant weedy rice, (5) to identify the potential pre- and post-emergent herbicides that
compatible with OnDuty® and Kifix®, respectively for more effective weed management in
Clearfield® rice, and (6) to develop the fertilizer management package for the newly develop rice
variety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Breeding program experiment following the standard process for new rice variety development.
Conducted AYT, ADAPT, LVT, and Up scaling. Screening of insect pests and diseases were evaluated
in each stage of the breeding development. Herbicide and agronomic packages were evaluated as
described in the project document.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Breeding program: The LVT trials in all 4 locations have been completed. Up scaling will be started
at season 2/2020.

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Herbicide package: Study shows Kifix at 180 g ai/ha has potential to be replacing Onduty. However
the herbicide must be spray at 5-7 days after rice sowing under low spraying volume. This
recommended rate will be re-evaluated by BASF internal research team.

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Agronomic package: The fertilizer rate recommendation as described below.

CONCLUSION
The research activity on track as described in the project document. The new variety is expected to
be launched in season 2/2021.

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POTENTIAL OF REVOLT13.0EC® (OXADIAZON) TO CONTROL
WEEDY RICE AND GENERAL WEEDS IN DIRECT SEEDED RICE

SYSTEM.

Dilipkumar Masilamany

1Rice Research Center, MARDI Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 at MARDI Seberang Perai. The main objective of present
study is to identify the potential of Revolt13.0EC® for an effective weedy rice management in direct seeded
rice system. Present study clearly indicated that Revolt13.0EC® at 500 g ai/ha control weedy rice
effectively when applying the treatment continuously for 2 seasons. The result also indicated no phytotoxic
activity on rice regardless to any varieties (Clearfield or non-Clearfield). Present study highly
recommends using Revolt13.0EC® during land preparation or before rice sowing for effective weedy rice
management. The efficacy and phytotoxicity of Revolt13.0EC® will be affected if the herbicide application
technique or spraying window is inaccurate. For this reason, a proper SOP to use Revolt13.0EC® as a
pre-emergence herbicide before rice sowing was developed.

Keywords: Weedy rice, oxadiazon, wet seeded rice.

INTRODUCTION

Weedy rice being a major problem in wet-seeded rice system. Good land preparation has been proven
to control weedy rice soil seed bank. Incorporation of oxadiazon application in land preparation may
has the potential to enhance the management and control of weedy rice in soil seed bank. Therefore,
present study was conducted (1) to determine effects of Revolt13.0EC® on emergence and growth of
weedy rice and rice cultivar (MR297) under different watering regimes and (2) to identify the potential
of Revolt13.0EC® for an effective weed management in direct seeded rice system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rice phytotoxicity test

The experiment was conducted in weed science glasshouse, MARDI Seberang Perai. Sandy loam soil
sample was taken from MARDI Seberang Perai rice field, was air-dried and then 1,200 g of the soil
was filled into each plastic cup (14 cm diameter). The soil-water conditions in each cup were divided
into two categories, namely saturated (maintain the soil to muddy condition without standing water)
and flooded (standing water up to 5 cm from the ground) conditions. Revolt13.0EC® at 200, 300, 400
and 500 g ai/ha, respectively was sprayed on the soil surface by using a knapsack sprayer with a flat-
fan nozzle, delivering 300 L/ha at spray pressure of 100 kPa. Control cups were treated with water. The
soil conditions in the respective cups were maintained until rice planting. Fifteen (15) pre-germinated
seeds of MR297 were sown in each cup at 7 and 14 days after treatment (DAT), respectively. During
rice planting, the water level in all cups was maintained under saturated condition. At 15 DAS, all cups
were maintained at standing water up to 5 cm until the termination of experiment. This irrigation phase
is correlated with the actual situation in wet-direct seeding rice system. All treatments were arranged in
factorial experiments in complete randomized design with 5 replications. The survival rate, shoot dry
weight and shoot length were taken at 30 DAS.

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Weedy rice efficacy test

In another experiment, the herbicide efficacy was tested on weedy rice at different growing stages with
different soil-water conditions. Fifteen (15) pre-germinated or dry weedy rice seeds were sown into a
plastic pot, respectively. The water level in each pot was maintained immediately at saturated or
flooding condition as described in rice phytotoxicity test. At the same date, Revolt13.0EC® at 200, 300,
400 and 500 g ai/ha was treated in each pot, respectively. The treatments were arranged in factorial
experiments in complete randomized design with 5 replications. Herbicide was sprayed by using a
knapsack sprayer with a flat-fan nozzle, delivering 300 L/ha at sprays pressure of 100 kPa. The control
pot was treated with water. The soil-water condition in the respective pot was prolonged until 14 days
after treatment, in line with the output of rice phytotoxicity test. After the desired date, water level in
all cups was maintained under saturated condition until the experiment is terminated. The survival rate,
shoot dry weight, shoot length were taken at 30 days after treatment.

Potential of Revolt13.0EC® to control weedy rice in direct seeded rice system.

The experiment was conducted in a rice field located at MARDI Seberang Perai at main season of
2018/2019 and off season of 2019. Prior to the real experiment, the experimental fields were
broadcasted with MR297 at 140 kg/ha and weedy rice seeds at 8.5 kg/ha, where this weedy rice seed
rate can cause 50% of rice yield reduction. During the planting period, no herbicide treatments were
used in order to stimulate and increase weed seed bank in soil. The rice plants were harvested at 115
days after sowing with conventional harvesting method. Rice straws were destroyed and dry and wet
tillage were performed as indicated in wet-direct seeding rice system. Revolt13.0EC® at 500 and 750
g ai/ha were evaluated in this study. Each treatment plot was measured 36 m2. Treatments were
arranged in a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Revolt13.0EC® treatment was
sprayed under standing water condition at the same day after the wet tillage. 7 days after treatment,
experimental plot was land levelled and water level was maintained at saturated condition.

MR297 seeds was sown in each plot at seed rate 120 kg/ha. No pre-emergence herbicide was applied.
Post-emergence herbicide (Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl) was sprayed at 14 days after sowing. All herbicides
were sprayed by using a knapsack sprayer with a flat-fan nozzle, delivering 100 L/ha at spray pressure
of 100 kPa. Rice was harvested at 115 DAS. Weed density and dry weight were recorded at 100 DAS
by using quadrate (1 x 1 m). Four quadrate samples were performed in each plot. At harvesting stage,
number of tiller and number of panicle were measured in each plot by using quadrate (1 x 1 m). Five
rice plants were randomly selected from each treatment to collect data for plant height. The crop was
harvested manually from the undisturbed net plot area (3 x 3 m). Grain yield was converted into t/ha
and adjusted to 14% moisture content.

Comparing efficacy of oxadiazon and pretilachlor to control weedy rice.

The experiment was conducted in farmer’s plot located at MADA Kg. Pokok Asam. The experimental
plot was selected based on the weedy rice infestation level. In the previous season, the experimental
plot was recorded weedy rice density at 56 panicles/m2 and rice yield around 0.9 t/ha. The experimental
plot was divided into 3 sub plots and labeled as plot A, B, and C respectively. Each sub-plot size is
around 0.5 ha. The experiment was conducted at main season of 2018/2019 and off season of 2019. Plot
A treated with Revolt13.0EC® at 500 g ai/ha, plot B was treated with pretilachlor at 500 g ai/ha, and
plot C was considered as a control plot where weedy rice was managed based on conventional method
(farmer’s normal practice). Each herbicide treatment was repeated at the same plot respectively in both
seasons. The treatments were sprayed at same day after wet tillage under standing water condition.
Herbicides were sprayed by using a knapsack sprayer with a flat-fan nozzle, delivering 100 L/ha at

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spray pressure of 100 kPa. Water level in the plots was maintained at minimum 2 inches for 7 days.
MR220CL2 was sown in all plots. Onduty was sprayed in all plots at 7 days after sowing following the
stewardship guideline. Weedy rice density and dry weight was recorded in each plot at harvesting stage
by placing five quadrates (1 X 1 m). Rice was harvested in each plot and the yield was converted into
t/ha.

Data analysis.

All the percentage data in 2.1 were subjected to three way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and all data
in 2.2 and 2.3 were subjected to one way ANOVA, respectively. In 2.2, data of both weedy rice and
rice parameters were not significantly different between the seasons; hence the data were pooled for
analysis. The mean values were subjected to Tukey’s Studentized Range Test at at P = 0.05.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Rice phytotoxicity test

The result for phytotoxicity test indicated that, rice growth response to oxadiazon treatment is highly
depending to the herbicide rate, soil-water level and rice sowing time. Rice growth is tolerant to both
tested oxadiazon treatments at 200 and 300 g ai/ha (Table 1). Besides, significant reductions in rice
survival rate, shoot dry weight, and shoot length were observed when treated with oxadiazon at 400 and
500 g ai/ha, respectively (Table 1). However, since this study was conducted under control environment
using small pot; soil-herbicide binding (adsorption), leaching, runoff, and vapour loss (volatilization)
under real field condition need to be considered before suggesting the suitable rate for field application.
For instant, Chauhan and Abugho (2013) have reported that oxadiazon at 750 g ai/ha control a broad
spectrum of weeds without affecting rice growth when applied as pre-emergence herbicide at 2 days
after rice sowing (DAS).

Besides, the result also indicated that rice sowing time after the oxadiazon treatment and soil-water
level during oxadiazon application were significantly affects the rice growth (Table 1). Rice survival
rate, shoot dry weight and shoot length were significantly reduced when rice sown at 7 days after
oxadiazon application (DAA) as compared to those observed in 14 DAA, regardless to oxadiazon rates
and soil-water levels (Table 1). Present study demonstrated that growers can reduce oxadiazon effect
on rice, when they delay rice sowing time up to 14 days after the herbicide application. Meanwhile,
shoot dry weight and shoot length of rice were significantly reduced when the rice sown into the soil
that treated with oxadiazon under saturated condition as compared to the soil treated under standing
water condition (Table 1). This finding is in contrast with the result reported by Chauhan and Johnson
(2011). The authors were observed oxadiazon at 1000 g/ha reduced rice shoot biomass by 43 to 56% in
saturated condition and 22 to 36% in aerobic condition (30% of saturation) when compared with the
control (Chauhan and Johnson, 2011). However, the authors sprayed oxadiazon at 1 DAS and for the
saturated condition, water level was maintained at the soil surface but there was no standing water.
These herbicide application methods were contradictory with the method used in the present study.
Therefore, further study is necessary to elucidate the mechanism involve in the phytotoxicity of
oxadiazon on rice emergence and growth under field condition.

Weedy rice efficacy test

Weedy rice growth reduction being directly proportional to the increase in oxadiazon rates (Table 2).
Greater reduction in survival rate and shoot dry weight of weedy rice were observed in oxadiazon at
500 g ai/ha (Table 2). Similarly, Chauhan (2013) has claimed that oxadiazon at high rates provide an
effective control of weedy rice; however, the herbicide spray 2 weeks before rice planting in order to

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avoid phytotoxic effect on rice emergence. The present study also has revealed that the survival rate
and shoot length of emerged weedy rice were inhibited significantly as compared to those found in dry
weedy rice (Table 2). This is because oxadiazon is principally absorbed at the radicle of pre-germinated
seed; consequently affect the emergence and shoot growth. Similar to the result found in rice phytotoxic
study, oxadiazon phytotoxic effect/activity under standing water condition was greater than that of
saturated water condition (Table 2). Present study clearly showed that, oxadiazon has high potential to
control weedy rice emergence and growth. However, oxadiazon should be applied as pre-emergence
herbicide at least 14 days before rice sowing. The suitable rate of oxadiazon for direct-seeding rice
culture is between the range of 300 to 500 g ai/ha. However, field study is required to confirm the
effectiveness of the herbicide rate to control weedy rice without affecting the rice emergence and
growth.

Efficacy of Revolt13.0EC® under field condition

A small pre-test was conducted under field condition to determine precisely the suitable spraying
window for oxadiazon. Result showed that oxadiazon at 500 g ai/ha sprayed 7 days before rice sowing
is sufficient to control weedy rice density without affecting rice growth (data not shown in this report).
Therefore, further field study was conducted for 2 seasons consecutively to evaluate efficacy of
oxadiazon. Untreated plot was recorded the density and dry biomass of weedy rice at 24.1 plant/m2 and
83.9 g/m2, respectively (Table 3). The density of weedy rice was reduced to 60% and 82% when treated
with oxadiazon at 500 and 750 g ai/ha, respectively (Table 3). Similarly, 76% and 88% reduction in
weedy rice biomass were observed in the plots treated with oxadiazon at 500 and 750 g ai/ha,
respectively (Table 3). High density and dry biomass of weedy rice reduced the growth of rice plants
significantly. For instance, high infestation of weedy rice in untreated plot was lead to the reduction of
rice height at 12% as compared to those observed in oxadiazon treated plots. Similarly, Vidotto and
Ferrero (2009) also observed significant reduction in rice height when the plants compete with high
density of weedy rice.

Besides, number of tillers and panicles in untreated plot were reduced 17 to 20% and 15 to 21% when
compared to those observed in the plots treated with oxadiazon at 500 and 750 g ai/ha, respectively
(Table 4). On the other hand, eliminating weedy rice by spraying oxadiazon at 500 and 750 g ai/ha, was
significantly increased the rice yield 112 and 161%, respectively compared to untreated plot (Table 4).
Interestingly, although oxadiazon at 750 g ai/ha increased rice yield higher and lead to the greatest
reduction in weedy rice growth compared to those treated with oxadiazon at 750 g ai/ha, however these
differences were not statistically significant. Therefore, oxadiazon at 500 g ai/ha can be considered as
a cost-effective treatment to control weedy rice in wet-seeding rice system.

Comparing efficacy of oxadiazon and pretilachlor in controlling weedy rice

Overall both oxadiazon and pretilachlor controlled weedy rice infestation significantly compared to the
conventional method. In the first season density of weedy rice were significantly reduced when treated with
oxadiazon (53%) and pretilachlor (35%) compared to the conventional plot (Table 5). Repetition of the treatments
in the respective plot for the following season further reduced the density of weedy rice to 85 and 71% at plots
treated with oxadiazon and pretilachlor, respectively. Similarly, oxadiazon treated plot reduced weedy rice dry
biomass 59 and 87% at first and second season, respectively (Table 5). On the other hand, pretilachlor reduced
dry biomass of weedy rice 41% in first season and 73% in second season. Although there are no significant
differences between plot treated with oxadiazon and pretilachlor in controlling weedy rice, interestingly the rice
yield obtained in oxadiazon treated plot was 16 to 49% higher than those observed in the plot treated with
pretilachlor in both seasons (Table 5).

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Table 1: Analyses of variance showing herbicide treatment, soil-water level as well as rice

sowing time effects for survival rate, shoot dry biomass shoot length of MR297.

Herbicide rate (H) Survival rate Shoot dry weight Shoot length
Control
Oxa 200 2.00 a (100) 1.99 a (100) 2.00 a (100)
Oxa 300 1.99 a (99.0) 1.95 ab (91.4) 2.00 a (100)
Oxa 400 1.96 a (91.6) 1.91 bc (81.9) 1.99 a (97.7)
Oxa 500 1.86 b (73.2) 1.86 c (72.7) 1.95 b (90.9)
1.82 b (67.2) 1.72 d (53.5) 1.90 c (80.7)

Time (T) 1.89 b (81.1) 1.85 b (75.1) 1.95 b (91.0)
7 day 1.95 a (91.3) 1.92 a (84.6) 1.98 a (96.9)
14 days

Soil-water level (W) 1.92 a (84.8) 1.85 b (73.7) 1.96 b (92.1)
Saturated 1.94 a (87.6) 1.92 a (86.0) 1.98 a (95.8)
Flooded

Significant ** ** **
Herbicide (H) ** ** **
Time (T) ns ** *
Water (W) ns ns **
H*T ns ns ns
H*W ns ns **
T*W ns ns **
H*T*W

Grand means 1.92 1.89 1.97
CV 3.52 4.10 1.34

Note: Means that not sharing a letter in common differ significantly at 5% probability level by Tukey's
HSD test, ns: non-significant; figures in parenthesis denote the original values converted as percentage
of respective control treatment.

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Table 2: Analyses of variance showing herbicide rate, soil-water level, and seed germination

condition effects for survival rate, shoot dry biomass shoot length of weedy rice.

Survival rate Shoot dry weight Shoot length

Herbicide rate (H)

Control 2.00 a (100) 2.00 a (100) 2.00 a (100)

Oxa 200 1.25 b (40.1) 1.22 b (44.9) 1.44 b (65.2)

Oxa 300 0.85 c (26.4) 0.89 c (30.5) 0.99 c (49.2)

Oxa 400 0.71 d (13.9) 0.73 d (17.2) 0.98 c (46.5)

Oxa 500 0.60 e (8.1) 0.65 e (10.5) 0.92 d (35.4)

Seed condition (S) 0.99 a (41.7) 1.11 a (38.4) 1.34 a (59.7)
Dry 1.17 b (33.8) 1.08 a (42.9) 1.19 b (58.9)
Emerge

Soil water level (W) 1.63 a (52.6) 1.70 a (60.3) 1.96 a (92.6)
Saturated 0.54 b (22.8) 0.50 b (20.9) 0.57 b (25.9)
Flooded

Note: Significant
Herbicide (H)
Seed condition (S) ** ** **
Water (W) ** ns **
H*S ** ** **
H*W ** ** **
S*W ** ** **
H*S*W ** ** **
** ** **

Grand means 1.80 1.10 1.27

CV 9.36 6.61 1.56

Means that not sharing a letter in common differ significantly at 5% probability level by Tukey's HSD test, ns:

non-significant; figures in parenthesis denote the original values converted as percentage of respective control

treatment.

Table 3: Effects of different rates of Revolt13.0EC® on the density and dry biomass of weedy

rice.

Treatment (g ai/ha) Density (plant/m2) Dry biomass (g/m2)

0 24.1 (4.3) a 83.9 (11.3) a

500 9.6 (2.3) b 20.0 (5.9) b

750 4.3 (1.4) b 10.3 (3.8) b

Note: Means that not sharing a letter in common differ significantly at 5% probability level by Tukey's HSD test.

Figures in parenthesis denote standard error of the mean.

Table 4: Effects of different rates of Revolt13.0EC® on the growth and yield of MR297.

Treatment (g ai/ha) Plant height (cm) No. of tiller/m2 No. of panicle/m2 Rice yield (t/ha)

0 94.8 (1.8) a 332 (9.6) a 272 (8.9) a 1.73 (0.3) a

500 108 (0.8) b 400 (9.5) b 320 (8.2) b 3.66 (0.3) b

750 108 (1.4) b 417 (5.6) b 346 (6.6) b 4.51 (0.4) b

Note: Means that not sharing a letter in common differ significantly at 5% probability level by Tukey's HSD test.

Figures in parenthesis denote standard error of the mean.

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Table 5: Effects of Revolt13.0EC® and pretilachlor on the density and dry biomass of weedy rice

and rice yield.

Plot Density (plant/m2) Dry biomass (g/m2) Rice yield (t/ha)

Season 1 Season 2 Season 1 Season 2 Season 1 Season 2

A 22.5 (5.1) a 7.8 (1.2) a 58.8 (15.1) a 15.13 (3.3) a 2.30 4.71

B 30.9 (5.3) a 15.4 (4.8) b 85.4 (13.5) a 32 (8.9) a 1.99 3.16

C 48.2 (7.3) b 52.5 (11.9) c 144 (28.2) b 120.7 (21.2) b 1.21 1.43

Note: Means that not sharing a letter in common differ significantly at 5% probability level by Tukey's HSD test.

Figures in parenthesis denote standard error of the mean. A: Plot treated with Revolt13.0EC® at 500 g ai/ha; B:

Plot treated with pretilachlor at 500 g ai/ha; C: Plot following conventional method (common practice by farmer).

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EVALUATION OF 3,4 - DI METHLY PYRAZOLE PHOSPHATE
(DMPP) - TREATED UREA ON PLANT GROWTH, YIELD

COMPONENTS AND GRAIN YIELD FOR RICE CULTIVATION

NurulNahar Bin Esa & Shajarutulwardah Mohd Yusob

Rice Research Centre, MARDI Seberang Perai,

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Nitrogen in soil usually is available as nitrate, which is not bound to soil particles. As a result, nitrate is
subject to leaching. Di methyl pyrazole phosphate (DMPP) could prolongs the life-time of ammonium by
slowing down the biological process of ammonium breakdown to nitrate. Therefore, the risk of nitrate
leaching is strongly reduced. A completely randomized design with eight N treatments and three replicates
was established. DMPP at 40, 64, 80 and 112 kg/ha compared to standard Urea at the same rate applied
at 35 DAS. To objective of this study to evaluate the efficiency of 3,4 – Di methyl pyrazole phosphate
(DMPP)-treated urea on grain yield. Reduced rate of 40 kg DMMP/ha provide similar rice grain yield as
compared to standard urea 80 kg/ha. Still, 40 kg/ha of DMPP showed slightly lower grain yield compared
than regular 40 kg Urea/ha. Any commercial application of DMPP will need to be accompanied by changes
in fertilizer management, of which reducing the N application rate (40 kg DMPP) appears most promising.

Keywords: treated Urea, nitrogen, rice, grain yield

INTRODUCTION

Nitrogen ( N) is a key element necessary for plant growth, and the application of N fertilizer to
agricultural soil is an effective measure to increase crop yields (Liu et al., 2017). Nitrogen (N) promotes
rapid rice production, increases the area of the leaf, the number of spikelet per panicle, the percentage
of grains filled (Dobermann & Fairhurst, 2000). Sufficient N must remain in leaves to allow
photosynthesis to continue, yet sufficient N must be transported to grains to permit normal grain
development and adequate reserves to be stored (Shiratsuchi et al., 2006). The recovery efficiency of
the applied N is approximately 30–40% and the remaining portion is lost by nitrate leaching (NO3),
gaseous denitrification, high pH soil surface volatilization, surface runoff and soil microbial
immobilization (Bibi et al., 2016). Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers increases nitrate leaching below
the root zone. As a result, the pollution of groundwater can be harmful to human health (Yousefi et al.,
2017). Nitrification inhibitors have a great potential to reduce the losses of nitrogen from agricultural
activities and increase the performance of the use of nitrogen. The most recently developed nitrification
inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) is gaining prominence as opposed to other
compounds (Vilas et al., 2019). Nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) is used
to minimize nitrogen (N) loss and increase N-use performance in agroecosystems. Nitrification
inhibitors are commonly used to prevent bacterial oxidation NH4+ to nitrite (NO2-) for a period of time
by eliminating the activities of ammonium oxidizing bacteria in the soil (Xu et al., 2019). DMPP has
the potential to either reduce NO3− leaching by inhibiting ammonia oxidization or N losses from
denitrification, which is in favor of the N conversations in the rice-oilseed rape cropping system (Li et
al., 2008). Replacing traditional urea with DMPP is not an successful method to reduce greenhouse
emissions in dry land dairy and large-scale agricultural systems in South Eastern Australia. It is also
unlikely to gain popularity among farmers as they will not be able to recover the 20-30% higher cost of
the DMPP while using industry standard application rates (Nauer et al., 2018). The objective of this
study to evaluate the effectiveness of DMPP to replace standard Urea fertilizer applied at 35 days after
sowing on rice grain yield.

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

The field experiment is located at MARDI Seberang Perai, Pulau Pinang. MARDI Siraj 297 was used
in this study. Seed were sown in the seedling trays which was preceded by seed treatment through
soaking and pre-germination. Soaking was done for 24 hours while pre-germination took one day before
sowing. After the seed treatment, pregerminated seeds were broadcasted in the field. This field
experiment has been carried out in 5 m × 5 m plots. The amount of N to rice applied through DMPP
were 112 kg/ha (T1), 80 kg/ha (T2), 64 kg/ha (T3), 40 kg/ha (T4) and through urea were 112 kg/ha
(T5), 64 kg/ha (T6), 40 kg/ha (T7) and 80 kg/ha (T8; control) applied at 35 days after sowing. The
whole experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design with three replications for
each treatment. ANOVA and LSD test for comparison of means were performed using SAS V 9.4
window version.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Analysis of variance on yield and yield parameters presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Analysis of variance on the effect of Di methyl pyrazole phosphate (DMPP) on yield
and yield parameters

Source DF Mean Square

Replication Panicle/m2 Spikelet/panicl % filled 1000- Harvest Yield
Treatment
e grain grain index (HI) (t/ha)
T1
T2 weight
T3
T4 (g)
T5
T6 2 11204.66 177.96 7.833 0.218 0.000162 1.05447
T7
T8 7 2158.38ns 12.328n 0.297ns 0.001256n 0.70131
Error
Corrected 125.45ns s s*
Total
CV 364 107 73.0 28.4 0.42 5.8a
Mean
352 106 74.2 28.1 0.43 5.7a

400 98 73.1 28.1 0.43 5.6a

403 93 72.7 27.6 0.43 4.8bc

407 100 72.9 28.2 0.44 6.1a

395 91 76.7 28.4 0.45 5.9a

413 90 77.0 27.7 0.46 5.5ab

436 93 71.2 27.7 0.39 4.8c

14 3428.66 192.72 10.328 0.529 0.001495 0.17301

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11.3 14.3 4.4 2.6 9 7.6
396 97 73.9 28 0.4 5.5

Panicle per meter square

Application of Di methyl pyrazole phosphate treated urea (DMPP) did not increase the number of
panicle per meter square. All DMPP treatments (T1-T4) produced lower in panicle per meter square
compared than in control.

Spikelet per panicle
An insignificant increase of spikelet/panicle showed in treatments T1, T2 and T3 applied with Di methyl
pyrazole phosphate treated urea (DMPP) compared than in control. T4 showed no different with control
treatment.

Percentage of filled grain (% filled grain)
An increase in % filled grain for rice plants treated with DMPP treatments (T1-T4) in comparison to
the control treatment but was not significant. Lower rate of urea in T6 (64 kg/ha) and T7 (40 kg/ha)

60

showed slightly higher in % filled grain compared to the control treatment but the effect was not
significant.

Thousand grain weight (1000-grain weight)
Application of DMPP at the rate of 40, 64, 80 and 112 kg/ha did not have any significant impact on
1000-grain weight compared to the control treatment (Urea 80 kg/ha). Urea at higher and lower rates in
treatments T5 (112 kg/ha), T6 (64 kg/ha) and T7 (40 kg/ha) also did not have any impact on 1000-grain
weight.

Harvest index (HI)
There was no significant effect of fertilizer treatments on harvest index.

Yield (t/ha)
There was a significant effect of fertilizer treatments on rice grain yield. DMPP at the rate of 112 kg/ha
(T1), 80 kg/ha (T2) and 64 kg/ha (T3) produced higher in grain yield compared than in control (80 kg
Urea/ha). However, these rates were not different to standard urea at the rate of 112 kg/ha (T5), 64
kg/ha (T6) and 40 kg/ha (T7). One notable effect of DMPP is the lowest rate 40 kg/ha produced grain
yield similar to control treatment but did not differ with regular Urea at 40 kg/ha. Any commercial
application of DMPP will need to be accompanied by changes in fertilizer management, of which
reducing the N application rate appears most promising (Nauer et al., 2018). Therefore, lowest rate of
DMPP at 40 kg/ha could be potential to replace standard 80 kg Urea/ha but there is need to study
different fertilizer management such as timing of application.

CONCLUSION

Rice plant treated with DMPP (40, 64, 80 and 112 kg/ha) did not improve yield parameters compared
than in control (standard Urea 80 kg/ha) except for rice grain yield. In this study, reduced rate of 40 kg
DMMP/ha provide similar rice grain yield as compared to standard urea 80 kg/ha. Still, 40 kg/ha of
DMPP showed slightly lower grain yield compared than regular 40 kg Urea/ha.

REFERENCES

Bibi, S., Saifullah, U., Naeem, A., & Dahlawi, S. (2016). Environmental impacts of nitrogen
use in agriculture, nitrate leaching and mitigation strategies. Soil Science: Agricultural
and Environmental Prospectives, 131–157.

Dobermann, A., & Fairhurst, T. (2000). Rice: Nutrient Disorders & Nutrient Management. In
Medical Instrumentation (1st ed.). Potash & Phosphate Institute (PPI), Potash &
Phosphate Institute of Canada (PPIC) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Li, H., Liang, X., Chen, Y., Lian, Y., Tian, G., & Ni, W. (2008). Effect of nitrification inhibitor
DMPP on nitrogen leaching, nitrifying organisms, and enzyme activities in a rice-oilseed
rape cropping system. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 20(2), 149–155.

Liu, Z., He, T., Cao, T., Yang, T., Meng, J., & Chen, W. (2017). Effects of biochar application
on nitrogen leaching, ammonia volatilization and nitrogen use efficiency in two distinct
soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 17(2), 515–528.

Nauer, P. A., Fest, B. J., Visser, L., & Arndt, S. K. (2018). On-farm trial on the effectiveness
of the nitrification inhibitor DMPP indicates no benefits under commercial Australian
farming practices. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 253, 82–89.

61

Shiratsuchi, H., Yamagishi, T., & Ishii, R. (2006). Leaf nitrogen distribution to maximize the
canopy photosynthesis in rice. Field Crops Research, 95, 291–304.

Vilas, M. P., Verburg, K., Thorburn, P. J., Probert, M. E., & Bonnett, G. D. (2019). A
framework for analysing nitrification inhibition: A case study on 3,4-dimethylpyrazole
phosphate (DMPP). Science of the Total Environment, 672, 846–854.

Xu, J., Zhu, T., Xue, W., Ni, D., Sun, Y., Yang, J., Xu, L., Chen, X., Li, H., & Liu, M. (2019).
Influences of nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and
application method on nitrogen dynamics at the centimeter-scale. European Journal of
Soil Biology, 90, 44–50.

Yousefi, M., Soltani, J., RahimiKhob, A., Ebrahim Banihabib, M., & Soltani, E. (2017).
Assessment of nitrogen leaching of cropping pattern by soil nitrogen balance equation
(case study: Varamin irrigation and drainage network). Modern Applied Science, 11(4),
30.

62

EVALUATION OF OSAB/ABY ON PLANT GROWTH AND GRAIN
YIELD OF RICE IN MALAYSIA

NurulNahar Bin Esa

Rice Research Centre, MARDI Seberang Perai,

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Silicon (Si) has been reported increase the growth and biomass and effectively in enhancing yield of rice
grain yield. A field experiment was conducted at the MARDI Seberang Perai, to evaluate the effects of
eight different combined Si fertilizer on growth, yield and yield components as compared to standard
fertilizer package. The results showed that Si application did not improve yield components however, the
rice grain yield was significantly affected by Si application. The highest grain yield of 5.7 t/ha was obtained
with the application of Si with 0.8 liter/ha (3 leaf stage) and 1.2 liter/ha (20 days after first spraying).

Keywords: Silicon; rice; grain yield

INTRODUCTION

Silicon (Si) has been considered as a beneficial element for plant growth. Silicon treatments increased
the panicles per square meter and the grain yield when applied to the rice at panicle initiation stage
(Kim et al., 2012). Supply of silicon at reproductive stage (panicle initiation to heading) is most
important for rice growth where filled spikelets and grain yield remarkably increased due to greater
silicon absorption (70%) in whole plants (J. Ma et al., 1989). Potential benefits of Si on the grain
production and photosynthesis were expressed when it was particularly supplied during the
reproductive growth stage, as evidenced by a high yield significantly associated with higher spikelets
number and a higher 1000-grain weight (Lavinsky et al., 2016). Application of silicon in the mid-
reproductive stage were greatly improved plant growth and yield

components than in the vegetative and ripening stage (Anand et al., 2018). Silica deposition in rice
plants keeps leave erectness and consequently improves light interception rather than improves in leaf
growth (J. F. Ma et al., 2001). Thereby, increasing in photosynthetic capacity provide more efficient
translocation which lead to longer plant height and panicle length (Jan et al., 2018) and contribute to
better grain yield (Jawahar & Vaiyapuri, 2010). Laane (2017) reported the new technology of
stabilized silicic acid which is

considered directly plant available silicic acid instead of the indirect Si sources. The new formulation
known as oligomeric silicic acid and boric acid (OSAB) could be use as foliar sprays (20-40 gm
Si/ha/crop cycle) and found that an increase of yield in potatoes, onions, apples, papayas, rice, grapes
and sugarcane by 6.5, 10.8, 17, 13.2, 15, 39 and 26% respectively compared than in control. However,
there is less information the use of Si for local rice variety. The objective of this study is to evaluate
the effectiveness of ASAB/ABY on plant growth and grain yield of rice in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study was conducted in MARDI Research Station, Bertam, Pulau Pinang. MARDI Siraj 297 was used
in this study. Seed were sown in the seedling trays which was preceded by seed treatment through
soaking and pre-germination. Soaking was done for 24 hours while pre-germination took one day before
sowing. After the seed treatment, pregerminated seeds were broadcasted in the nursery. Seedlings of 14

63

days old age was transplanted (3 seedling/hill) at 30 cm x 18 cm distance between hills and rows. The
seedlings that were of the same height were selected for uniformity purposes. Treatment is presented in
Table 1. The whole experiment was conducted following a completely randomized design with two
replications for each treatment. All crop management followed the guidelines of the Manual Teknologi
Penanaman Padi Lestari, MARDI (Othman et al., 2008). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed
using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.4 Treatment means were compared based on Least
Significant Difference test at p≤ 0.05 probability level.

Table 2. Treatment application at different interval

Label Application Interval (Amount of Product) for 1 ha Treatments

T1 3-leaf 2nd 3rd 4th Fertilizer package / normal pesticides
control
stage Total product 1 Liter/hectare/season
T2 with 2 applications
T3 NIL NIL NIL NIL Total product 2 Liter/hectare/season
T4 with 3 applications
T5 400 ml 600 ml NIL NIL Total product 3 Liter/hectare/season
T6 20 DAS +14 days with 4 applications
T7 400 ml 600 ml 1000 ml NIL Total product 3 Liter/hectare in 4
T8 20 DAS +14 days +14 days sprays. *Reduction pesticides 50%
T9 400 ml 600 ml 1000 ml 1000 ml Total product 6 Liter/hectare/season
20 DAS +14 days +14 days +14 days with 4 applications
400 ml 600 ml 1000 ml 1000ml Total product 4 Liter/hectare/season
20 DAS +14 days +14 days + 14 days with 3 applications
800 ml 1200 ml 2000 ml 2000 ml Total product 2 Liter/hectare/season
20 DAS +14 days +14 days +14 days with 2 applications
800 ml 1200 ml 2000 ml Total product 4 Liter/hectare/season
20 DAS +21 days +21 days NIL with 2 applications
800 ml 1200 ml
20 DAS +21 days NIL NIL
1600 ml 2400 ml
20 DAS +21 days NIL NIL
Mixed Mixed
with with 300 Mixed with 500 Litre of
200 Litre of water
Litre of water
water

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The analysis of variance on yield and yield components is presented in Table 2. There was no significant
effect of treatment on spikelet per panicle, panicle number, spikelet per square meter, percentage of
filled grain, grain weight and harvest index. However, there was a significant on grain yield (t/ha).

64

Table 3. Analysis of variance on yield and yield components

Mean square

Spikelet / Panicle/m2 Spikelet/m2 Filled 1000- Yield Harvest
DF panicle grain grain (t/ha) index
Source (%) weight
Rep 1 34.72 9846.72 301850640.1 (g) 0.0672 0.00005
8.54 0.055

Treatment 8 187.75ns 1362.22ns 70398728.6ns 14.89ns 0.347ns 0.18013* 0.0006ns

CV 6.8 10.5 12.9 4.8 1.7 3 2.6

Mean 154 255 39662 84 27.9 5.4 0.44

Figure 1 showed that the highest grain yield of 5.7 t/ha was obtained with the application of Si with 1.6
liter/ha (3 leaf stage) and 2.4 liter/ha (20 days after first spraying). However, did not differ with T4, T5,
T6, T7 and T8. Therefore, the application of Si (T8) with 0.8 liter/ha (3 leaf stage) and 1.2 liter/ha (20
days after first spraying) could be potential to improve grain yield as foliar spraying. According to
Laane (2017) a significant increase in plant growth resulting in plants with higher mass, more and longer
tillers, higher diameter of stems, larger leaf surfaces could resulting in higher yield of rice.

6 c bc c ab a ab ab a a
5
Yield (t/ha)
4

3

2

1

0

123456789

Series1 4.85 5.2 5 5.4 5.65 5.5 5.4 5.65 5.7

Treatment

Figure 1. Rice grain yield (t/ha) as affected by different Si application.

CONCLUSION

The highest grain yield of 5.7 t/ha was obtained with the application of Si with 0.8 liter/ha (3 leaf
stage) and 1.2 liter/ha (20 days after first spraying).

REFERENCES

Anand, L., Sreekanth, B., & Jyothula, D. P. B. (2018). Effect of foliar application of sodium silicate on
yield. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 6(6), 1711–1715.

Jan, R., Ahmad-aga, F., Bahar, F. A., Singh, T., & Lone, R. (2018). Effect of Soil Application of Silicon
on Growth and Yield Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.). Journal of Pharmacognosy and
Phytochemistry, 7(1), 328–332.

Jawahar, S., & Vaiyapuri, V. (2010). Effect of Sulphur and Silicon Fertilization on Yield , Nutrient
Uptake and Economics of Rice. International Research Journal of Chemistry, 34–43.

65

Kim, Y. H., Khan, A. L., Shinwari, Z. K., Kim, D. H., Waqas, M., Kamran, M., & Lee, I. J. (2012).
Silicon treatment to rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ’Gopumbyeo’) plants during different growth periods
and its effects on growth and grain yield. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 44(3), 891–897.

Laane, H. M. (2017). The Effects of the Application of Foliar Sprays with Stabilized Silicic Acid: An
Overview of the Results From 2003-2014. Silicon, 9, 803–807.

Lavinsky, A. O., Detmann, K. C., Reis, J. V., Ávila, R. T., Sanglard, M. L., Pereira, L. F., Sanglard, L.
M. V. P., Rodrigues, F. A., Araújo, W. L., & DaMatta, F. M. (2016). Silicon improves rice grain
yield and photosynthesis specifically when supplied during the reproductive growth stage. Journal
of Plant Physiology, 206, 125–132.

Ma, J. F., Miyake, Y., & Takahashi, E. (2001). Silicon as a beneficial element for crop plants. In L. E.
Datnoff, G. H. Synder, & G. H. Korndorfer (Eds.), Silicon in Agriculture (pp. 17–39). Elsevier
Science.

Ma, J., Nishimura, K., & Takahashi, E. (1989). Effect of silicon on the growth of rice plant at different
growth stages. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 35(3), 347–356.

Othman, O., Abu Hassan, D., Alias, I., Ayob, A. H., Azmi, A. R., Azmi, M., Badrulhadza, A., Maisarah,
M. S., Muhamad, H., Saad, A., Sariam, O., Siti Norsuha, M., Syahrin, S., & Yahaya, H. (2008).
Manual Teknologi Penanaman Padi Lestari. MARDI Press.

66

VERIFICATION OF NEW SILICA ENRICHED NPK COMPOUND
FERTILIZER BY NAFAS IN SELECTED RICE CULTIVATION
AREA

Mohamad Najib Mohd Yusof1, Mohamad Rodzi Shafiee1, Nurul Ain Abdul Aziz1, Bashiroh Ahmad2, Chong
Tet Vun1

1MARDI Seberang Perai, Kepala Batas, Pulau
Pinang

2MARDI Alor Setar, Kedah

ABSTRACT

Study has been done under three level of soil fertility at PPK Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang and Kampung
Namdam, Kedah. These fertilizer technology-verification trials consist of two treatments which is silica
enriched NPK compound (83.6:27:52.3) and current subsidy fertilizer (104.3:41.7:61.5) without growth
enhancer with 13 replications implemented in farmer’s fields. Data on soil nutrient status, plant growth,
yield components, grain yield and plant nutrient status were taken according to the main growth stage of
rice plant. The of new enriched silica with 83.6:27:52.3 of NPK compound perform better in low fertility
soil which gave 36.19% better grain yield compared with current subsidy fertilizer. The new fertilizer also
gave an effect on plant height at early tillering stage and panicle initiation stage under low fertility soil.
Residual effect with limited of two soil fertility indicate, the new fertilizer could give 28.31% of grain yield
under high fertility soil compared to medium fertility soil. It is suggested to cover the residual effects for
all level of soil fertility.

Keywords: Silica; soil fertility; compound fertilizer; enriched fertilizer; NAFAS

INTRODUCTION

Silicon is considered as a beneficial element and the role of silicon in rice was discussed in many
literatures such as to increase grain yield (Tran Xuan et. al. 2017), reducing crop lodging (Fallah A.
2012) and improves the tolerance of rice plants to abiotic and biotic stresses (Ma J.F. 2004). Thus,
NAFAS has embarked a new fertilizer formulation which is new NPK compound fertilizer enriched
with silica (83.6:27:52.3 + Si) into their product range for rice crop. The objective of this research was
to verify the performance of new silica enriched NPK compound fertilizer by NAFAS in selected rice
cultivation area on grain yield and yield component.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The field research was conducted at three different category of soil’s fertility (Theeba M, et al 2018)
which were high fertility (PPK Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang), medium fertility (PPK Balik Pulau, Pulau
Pinang), and low fertility (Kampung Namdam, Kedah) for two planting season except in low fertility
soil that only could be done for only one season due to the second planting season was outside the
agreement period. This technology-verification trial consists of two treatments which is new silica
enriched NPK compound fertilizer (83.6:27:52.3) and current fertilizer given to the farmers without
growth enhancer (104.3:41.7:61.5) as a control. There were 13 replications with balanced two-factor
factorial design was implemented. Details of the treatments showed in Table 1.

Soil sampling was carried out before and end of trial for soil chemical and mechanical analysis (will
not be presented due to pending of laboratory report handle by NAFAS). Parameters on plant growth
and value of SPAD meter was taken at early tillering, active tillering and panicle initiation stage. While
yield component, harvesting index and grain yield were taken before harvest. The data collected were
subjected to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare treatment effects on parameters taken

67

following the statistical procedure stated by Gomez and Gomez (1984). Mean comparison was
performed by using Tukey’s Studentized Range (HSD) test at 5% level of significance upon obtaining
significant F-value of the factor.

Table 1. Treatment used in this technology-verification trial.
T1 T2

New silica enriched NPK compound* Current subsidy fertilizer without
growth enhancer

Type of fertilizer kg/ha Time of Type of Rate/ha Time of
application
application fertilizer
(DAS)**
(DAS)**

12:10:7 + TE + Silica 140 15-20 17.5:15.5:10 140 15-20

Urea 46% (from subsidy 80 35-40 Urea 46% 80 35-40
fertilizer)

12:10:17 + TE+ Silica 100 55-60 17.5:15.5:10 100 55-60

12:2:17:1.5 MgO + TE+ 100 55-60 17:3:25+2 100
Silica MgO 55-60

12:2:17:1.5 MgO + TE+ 50 75-80 17:3:25+2 50 75-80
Silica MgO

Total NPK 83.6:27:52.3 Total NPK 104.3:41.7:61.5

*Applied with current subsidy fertilizer **Days after sowing

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Performance of enriched silica NPK compound in in first season

Effects on grain yield, yield component and harvest index

In high fertility category, there were no significant different due to the used of new enriched silica NPK
compound as compared to the use of current fertilizer used by farmers on the grain yield, panicle per
meter square, percent productive tillers per meter square, total grains per panicle, percent filled grain
per panicle and harvest index as showed in Table 2. The significant effect was observed in thousand
grain weight with the highest weight was with the used of current fertilizer, it was 1.8% more than
treatment under new silica enriched compound fertilizer (Table 2).

In medium fertility category, there were no significant effects of new enriched silica NPK compound
on grain yield, panicle per meter square, percent productive tillers per meter square, thousand grain
weight, total grains per panicle, percent filled grain per panicle and harvest index as showed in Table 2.

In low fertility soil, there is a significant effects of new enriched silica NPK compound on grain yield
and thousand grain weight. The new fertilizer formulation could boost 36.19% of grain yield compared
to current used fertilizer. It also could boost 14.29% of thousand grain weight compared to current used
fertilizer. No significant effects of the new enriched silica NPK compound on panicle per meter square,

68

percent productive tillers per meter square, total grains per panicle, percent filled grain per panicle and
harvest index as showed in Table 2.

Table 2. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on grain yield, panicle per meter square,
percentage of productive tiller per meter square, thousand grain weight, grains per panicle,

percent filled grain per panicle and harvest index in three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Grain yield Panicle/m2 Productive 1000 grain Grains per Filled grain Harvest
(kg/ha) tiller/m2 weight (g) panicle per panicle index
231 a (%)
High fertility Silica enriched 3325 a 265 a 51.99 a 27.7 b 66 a (%) 0.37 a
Current fertilizer 4153 a 248 63.27 a 28.2 a 75 a 0.39 a
Mean 3739 22.22 57.63 27.9 71 70.48 a 0.38
C.V. 38.45 ns 25.73 2.06 23.55 69.72 a 17.07
Pr > F ns ns * ns 70.10 ns
15.67
ns

Medium fertility Silica enriched 4291 a 274 a 80.79 a 27.0 a 87 a 62.59 a 0.38 a
Current fertilizer 4619 a 294 a 83.61 a 27.5 a 82 a 62.86 a 0.38 a
Mean 4455 284 82.20 27.2 84 62.72 0.38
C.V. 19.28 14.86 15.82 2.59 21.60 11.06 0.00
Pr > F ns ns ns ns ns ns ns

Low fertility Silica enriched 3560 a 699 a 93.94 a 24.8 a 63 a 58.80 a 0.41 a

Current fertilizer 2614 b 589 a 96.39 a 21.7 b 60 a 59.56 a 0.38 a

Mean 3087 644 95.17 23.2 62 59.18 0.40

C.V. 22.31 34.14 9.63 4.37 17.60 17.76 16.54

Pr > F * ns ns * ns ns ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-

significant

Effects on number of tillers

There were no significant effects of enriched silica NPK compound on number of tillers per meter
square at early tillering, active tillering and panicle initiation growth stage under any soil fertility
categories as compared to current fertilizer used by farmers (Table 3).

The average number of tillers at early tillering under high fertility was 858 tillers, 686 tillers at active
tillering and 593 tillers at panicle initiation stage. Under medium soil fertility, the average tillers were
810 tillers at early tillering stage, 608 tillers at active tillering and 441 tillers at panicle initiation stage.
While under low fertility soil category, the average tiller at early tillering stage was 659 tillers, 586
tillers at active tillering and 630 tillers at panicle initiation stage as showed in Table 3.

69

Table 3. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on number of tillers per meter square in
three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Early Active Panicle
tillering tillering initiation
High fertility Silica enriched
Current fertilizer 916 a 714 a 599 a
Mean 801 a 658 a 587 a
C.V. 858 686 593
Pr > F 24.56 32.50 18.37
ns ns ns

Medium fertility Silica enriched 801 a 565 a 449 a
Current fertilizer 847 a 650 a 434 a
Mean 810 608 441
C.V. 16.90 21.50 17.47
Pr > F ns ns ns

Low fertility Silica enriched 625 a 583 a 661 a

Current fertilizer 693 a 588 a 598 a

Mean 659 586 630

C.V. 36.24 7.78 23.44

Pr > F ns ns ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-
significant

Effects on plant height and panicle length

No significant effects of enriched silica NPK compound on plant height were observed in high fertility
soil at any growth stage recorded (Table 4) there is also no significant effects on panicle length (Table
4). The average plant height recorded at early tillering was 57.7cm, 90.8cm at active tillering stage and
101.3cm at panicle initiation stage (Table 4). While the average panicle length was 20.2cm.

At medium fertility soil, there were no significant effects of treatments on plant height and panicle
length observed in all growth stage. The average plant height in early tillering stage was 49.7cm , in
active tillering stage was 94.9cm and 98.1cm at panicle initiation. While the average panicle length was
recorded 21.5cm.

Significant effects of treatments were observed on plant height at early tillering stage and panicle
initiation stage with treatment with silica enriched compound fertilizer gave an advantage 11.79%
higher (early tillering stage) and 6.89% (panicle initiation stage) higher compared to the use of current
fertilizer (Table 4) under low fertility soil.

70

Table 4. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on plant height (cm) and panicle length (cm)
in three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Early Active Panicle Panicle
tillering tillering initiation Length
High fertility Silica enriched
Current fertilizer 59.2 a 92.0 a 103.3 a 19.7 a
Mean 56.3 a 89.6 a 99.3 a 20.7 a
C.V. 57.7 90.8 20.2
Pr > F 12.67 9.35 101.3 8.47
ns ns 7.92 ns
ns

Medium fertility Silica enriched 48.6 a 95.8 a 99.4 a 21.9 a
Current fertilizer 50.8 a 94.1 a 96.7 a 21.1 a
Mean 49.7 94.9 98.1 21.5
C.V. 5.74 8.11 7.07 5.35
Pr > F ns ns ns ns

Low fertility Silica enriched 31.3 a 50.5 a 79.1 a 18.3 a

Current fertilizer 28.0 b 48.5 a 74.0 b 17.5 a

Mean 29.7 49.5 76.5 17.9

C.V. 12.33 8.21 7.79 5.47

Pr > F * ns * ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-
significant

Effects on SPAD value

Significant effects were observed on SPAD value under high fertility soil at early tillering stage and
panicle initiation stage (Table 5). In early tillering stage the current fertilizer used gave an advantage in
term of SPAD value with 7.26% higher compared to new silica enriched compound fertilizer. But
reversal effect was observed in panicle initiation stage which the new silica enriched compound
fertilizer gave 4.95% higher SPAD value compared to current fertilizer used (Table 5).

Under medium fertility soil, no significant effects of treatments on SPAD value were observed at all
growth stage. The average SPAD value at early tillering was 30.0, at active tillering was 36.6 and 38.7
at panicle initiation stage (Table 5).

Significant effects of enriched silica NPK compound on SPAD value was observed in low fertility soil
at active tillering stage with 3.13% more than treatment with current fertilizer (Table 5). The average
SPAD value at early tillering stage was 30.2, while 42.2 at panicle initiation stage as showed in Table
5.

71

Table 5. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on SPAD value in three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Early Active Panicle
tillering tillering initiation
High fertility Silica enriched
Current fertilizer 31.7 b 37.7 a 40.3 a
Mean 34.0 a 36.2 a 38.4 b
C.V. 32.8 37.0 39.4
Pr > F 7.44 6.07 4.48
* ns *

Medium fertility Silica enriched 30.3 a 37.3 a 39.1 a
Current fertilizer 29.6 a 35.8 a 38.3 a
Mean 30.0 36.6 38.7
C.V. 6.74 5.95 6.32
Pr > F ns ns ns

Low fertility Silica enriched 30.0 a 33.0 a 34.8 a

Current fertilizer 30.5 a 32.0 b 49.5 a

Mean 30.2 32.5 42.2

C.V. 3.80 3.09 72.67

Pr > F ns * ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-
significant

Performance of enriched silica NPK compound in second season

Effects on Grain yield, yield component and harvest index

In second season under high fertility soil, the effects of enriched silica NPK compound could be
observed in grain yield with 28.31% higher compared to treatment with current fertilizer (Table 6). It
also gave significant effect on total grains per panicle and percent filled grain per panicle with 25.81%
and 26.71% compared to treatment with current fertilizer. It further significantly effects the harvest
index with 76.19% more than the used of current fertilizer (Table 6). Other parameters were not
significantly affected by the treatments.

In medium fertility soil, there were significant effect of treatments on grain yield, panicle per meter
square and grains per panicle with advantage on treatment with current fertilizer. The grain yield,
panicle per meter square and grains per panicle was 30.41%, 19.70% and 16.92% higher compared to
treatment with enriched silica NPK compound fertilizer.

72

Table 6. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on grain yield, panicle per meter square,
percentage of productive tiller per meter square, thousand grain weight, grains per panicle,

percent filled grain per panicle and harvest index in three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Grain yield Panicle/m2 Productive 1000 grain Grains per Filled grain Harvest
(kg/ha) tiller/m2 (%) weight (g) panicle per panicle index

High fertility Silica enriched 6377 a 280 a 76.51 a 27.55 a 117 a (%) 0.37 a
Current fertilizer 4970 b 314 a 86.92 a 27.40 a 93 b 0.21 b
Mean 5673 297 81.72 27.47 76.81 a 0.29
C.V. 16.27 20.43 16.57 3.25 105 60.62 b 19.36
Pr > F * ns ns ns 14.32 68.72 *
* 12.40
*

Medium fertility Silica enriched 3673 b 269 b 83.65 a 26.41 a 65 b 77.83 a 0.36 a

Current fertilizer 4790 a 322 a 86.58 a 27.04 a 76 a 72.99 a 0.34 a

Mean 4231 295 85.12 26.72 70 75.41 0.35

C.V. 27.49 18.37 10.37 3.37 10.69 10.20 16.43

Pr > F * * ns ns * ns ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-

significant

Effects on number of tillers

In second season under high fertility soil, significant effect of treatments on number of tillers observed
with advantage on the use of current fertilizer which could increase the number of tiller by 27%
compared to enriched silica NPK compound fertilizer (Table 7).

There was no significant effect observed under medium fertility soil (Table 7). The average tiller
number per meter square at early stage was 796 tillers, followed by 504 tillers at active tillering and 428
at panicle initiation stage (Table 7).

Effects on plant height and panicle length

In high soil fertility, the effects of treatment on plant height was observed at early tillering with 42.68%
higher with the used of enriched silica NPK compound and 7.96% longer in panicle length as compared
to treatment with current fertilizer (Table 8). While no significant effect on plant height observed at
active tillering stage and panicle initiation stage as showed in Table 8.

In medium fertility soil, no significant effect of treatments on plant height and panicle length were
observed (Table 8). The average plant height at early tillering was 50.6cm, 103.8cm at active tillering
and 112.9cm at panicle initiation stage. While the average panicle length was 22.4cm (Table 8).

73

Table 7. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on number of tillers per meter square in
three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Early Active Panicle
tillering tillering initiation

High fertility Silica enriched 785 b 535 a 507 a
Current fertilizer 997 a 574 a 572 a
Mean 891 554 540
C.V. 17.46 12.26 21.51
Pr > F * ns ns

Medium fertility Silica enriched 783 a 529 a 421 a

Current fertilizer 810 a 479 a 434 a

Mean 796 504 428

C.V. 20.21 17.81 9.22

Pr > F ns ns ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-
significant

Table 8. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on plant height (cm) and panicle length
(cm) in three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Early Active Panicle Panicle
tillering tillering initiation Length

High fertility Silica enriched 79.9 a 103.5 a 108.8 a 24.4 a
Current fertilizer 56.0 b 99.3 a 104.7 a 22.6 b
Mean 68.0 101.4 106.7 23.5
C.V. 9.33 5.41 3.62
Pr > F * ns 6.39 *
ns

Medium fertility Silica enriched 50.7 a 105.2 a 111.4 a 21.9 a

Current fertilizer 50.5 a 102.4 a 114.3 a 22.8 a

Mean 50.6 103.8 112.9 22.4

C.V. 6.03 4.97 5.94 5.22

Pr > F ns ns ns ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-
significant

Effects on SPAD value

In second season, there were no significant effects of treatments on SPAD value observed at all growth
stage under both soil fertility (Table 9). The average SPAD value under high fertility was 35.4 at early
tillering, 34.7 at active tillering and 32.5 at panicle initiation stage. While under medium fertility soil,
the average SPAD value was 36.7 at early tillering, 34.7 at active tillering and 33.9 at panicle initiation
stage (Table 9).

74

Table 9. Effects of enriched silica NPK compound on SPAD value in three soil fertility.

Soil fertility Treatments Early Active Panicle
tillering tillering initiation

High fertility Silica enriched 36.0 a 35.4 a 33.1 a
Current fertilizer 34.9 a 34.1 a 31.9 a
Mean 35.4 34.7 32.5
C.V. 4.19 4.56 7.50
Pr > F ns ns ns

Medium fertility Silica enriched 36.9 a 35.2 a 34.4 a

Current fertilizer 36.4 a 34.2 a 33.4 a

Mean 36.7 34.7 33.9

C.V. 4.31 5.15 9.02

Pr > F ns ns ns

Note: Mean followed by * is significant at 0.05; Mean followed with different alphabet is significant using Tukey’s Test; ns means non-
significant

CONCLUSION

Enriched silica NPK compound fertilizer was performed better in low fertility soil with a potential to
boost 36.19% of grain yield. While the residual effect with continuous use of the fertilizer could be seen
better in high fertility soil with a potential to boost 28.31% of grain yield.

REFERENCES

Fallah, A. (2012). Silicon effect on lodging parameters of rice plants under hydroponic culture.
International Journal of Agriculture Science. 2(7):630-634

Ma, J.F. (2004). Role of silicon in enhancing the resistance of plant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Soil
Science and Plant Nutrition. 50:11-18

Theeba, M., Illani Zuraihah, I., Muhd Zamir, R., Nor Ziana, Z.Z., Suhaila, A.B., Nor Fadilah, A.H.,
Mohd Naim, F.R., Mohd Najib, M.Y., Hishamuddin, A., Asnita, A.H., Masni, M., Khazanah I.,
Noranizam, M.S. Mohamad Zin, M.S. and Noor Mazirah, T. (2018). Location-spesific fertilizer
managament for rice using soil test – Target Yield Approach. In National Conference on Agricultural
and Food Mechanization. 250-253.

Tran Xuan, C., Hayat, U., Avishek, D., and Tran Cong, H. (2017). Effects of silicon-based fertilizer on
growth, yield and nutrient uptake of rice in tropical zone of Vietnam. Rice Science 24(5):283-290

75

EVALUATION ON EFICACY OF NATIVO AND ADJUVANTS
APPLIED WITH DRONE AND OTHER SPRAYING EQUIPMENT

AND OPERATOR EXPOSURE LEVEL TO TRACER

76

EVALUATION OF SYNGENTA’S FUNGICIDES AND INSECTICIDES
FOR RICE CULTIVATION IN MALAYSIA

77

EVALUATION OF BAYER HYBRID RICE - ARIZE 6444 GOLD AND
TEJ GOLD – BAYER

78

EVALUATION OF A MUTANT RICE VARIETY NMR152
ACCORDING TO RICE VARIETAL RELEASE SOPS

Elixson Sunian1, Mohd Fitri Masarudin,Siti Norsuha Misman, Kogeethavani Ramachandran, Rahiniza Binti
Kamaruzzaman, Mohd Solihen Jamal, Shamsul Amri Saidon, Shajarutulwardah Mohd Yusob, Muhammad

Naim Fadzli and Asfaliza Ramli.
1MARDI Seberang Perai, jalan paya Keladi/Pinang Tunggal, 13200 Kepala batas Pulau Pinang.

ABSTRACT

Mutant Rice Variety NMR152 was developed by Malaysian Nuclear Agency (ANM) using the gamma
radiation method. Evaluation of this variety research project between MARDI and ANM with a project
duration of 24 months with the objectives of this project are to evaluate the performance of a mutant rice
variety NMR152 in Multi-location Trial (MLT) and Local Verification Trial (LVT), to evaluate the
performance of NMR152 against major insect pests and diseases of rice and to determine grain
physicochemical properties of NMR 152. The R&D activities are still ongoing and progress for MLT trial
(first season) can be recorded in September/October 2020.

Keywords: Mutant variety, yield, multi-locations trial

INTRODUCTION

The selection of superior genotypes based on yield per se in single location does not serve as an
effective criterion during the development of crop cultivars. Yield is a complex quantitative character
and is greatly influenced by environmental fluctuations. A better understanding of G×E influenced plays
a vital role in the identification of stable genotypes for onward use as commercial cultivars.
Identification and development of rice genotypes with wider adaptation across different production
regions are, therefore, one of the major objectives of crop breeding programs. Multi-location trials are
conducted to identify the consistently performing genotypes in different agro-ecological zones. The
adaptation of a genotype over varied environments is usually assessed by the level of its interaction
with different environments under which it is cultivated. The genotype having high yield across
environments with a low degree of variation for yield over varied environments is considered to be
relatively the more adapted/stable one. After the multi-locational trial, the variety then needs to be
further cultivated in local verification trials for pre-commercial evaluation according to farmers' field
management before release.

Mutant Rice Variety NMR152 was developed by Malaysian Nuclear Agency (ANM) using the gamma
radiation method. Evaluation of this variety research project between MARDI and ANM with a project
duration of 24 months started from January 2020 – 31 January 2022 with total funds was RM 40,425.00.
The objectives of this project are i) to evaluate the performance of a mutant rice variety NMR152 in
Multi-location Trial (MLT) and Local Verification Trial (LVT), ii) to evaluate the performance of
NMR152 against major insect pests and diseases of rice and iii) to determine grain physicochemical
properties of NMR 152.

79

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This project consists of four (4) experiments, namely :

Experiment 1: To evaluate the performance of NMR152 in multi-locational trial (MLT)

The MLT trial was conducted at IADA, Penang (2 locations), IADA kerian-Sg Manik (1 location),
FELCRA Seberang Perak (1 location), MADA (2 location), KADA (2 location) and IADA BLS (2
locations). Experimental design was used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3
replications. NMR152 will be incorporated together with new MARDI’s MLT lines (10 lines and
including MR297 as check vatriety) with plot size 4 m × 4 m for each genotypes. The crop management
MARDI applied according Pakej Penanaman Padi Lestari. Parameter observed on yield, yield
components and vegetative traits.

Experiment 2: To evaluate the performance of NMR152 in LVT
The ANM variety will be in LVT which similar location with MLT and evaluated in two cropping
pnating seasons. The plot size will be 1 ha and crops management accrong to farmers practices where
MR297 will be used as check variety. The parameters will be observed for yield and field incidences
for pests and diseases.

Experiment 3. To evaluate the performance of NMR152 against major insect pests and diseases
of rice

The pests and diseases screening will be conducted in glasshouse screening and parameter observed on
major diseases (foliar blast, panicle blast, sheath blight and bacterial leaf blight) and pests (brown
planthopper and green leafhopper). The disease and pest resistance scores will be assessed as described
by IRRI 5th edition of the ‘Standard Evaluation System for Rice’ (SES) (2014).

Experiment 4: Grain Physicochemical properties of NMR 152
1kg of paddy sample will be obtained from NMA for grain quality assessment on physic-chemical
properties (grain length and width, 1000 grains weight, milling recovery, head rice recovery, milled rice
grain length, milled rice grain width, grain shape, amylose content, alkali spreading value and gel
consistency.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Experiment 1: To evaluate the performance of NMR152 in multi-locational trial (MLT)

The MLT trial for ANM 152 was conducted at IADA Seberang Perak, MADA (Pendang, Arau), IADA
P.Pinang (Penaga), IADA Barat Laut (Sungai Besar and Simpang Lima), KADA (Mulong) and
Segantang garam, Kedah. Generally, the status of the crops ranged from vegetative to reproductive
stage.

Experiment 2: To evaluate the performance of NMR152 in LVT
The seeds will be supplied by ANM and LVT trials will be started in main season 2020/2021.

Experiment 3. To evaluate the performance of NMR152 against major insect pests and diseases
of rice

The data for P&D in glasshouse screening will be obtained in Nov 2020.

Experiment 4: Grain physicochemical properties of NMR 152
The physico chemicals analysis will be conducted after collecting ANM 152 seeds from Experiment 1.

80

CONCLUSION
All R&D activities have fallen behind the planned schedules due to amendment of project document
and MOA between ANM and MARDI. The MLT trial (first season) will be completed in
September/October 2020.
REFERENCES
IRRI 5th edition of the ‘Standard Evaluation System for Rice’ (SES) (2014).

81

VERIFICATION ON THE EFFICACY OF HERBICIDES,
FUNGICIDES AND INSECTICIDES TO CONTROL WEEDS, PESTS

AND DISEASES IN MALAYSIAN RICE CULTIVATION

Maisarah Mohamad Saad, Nur Atiqah Mohd Khari, Mohd Fitri Masaruddin, Siti Norsuha Misman and
Dilipkumar Masilamany

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
[email protected]

INTRODUCTION

Insect pests, diseases and weeds are critical contraints on rice yield globally. In the present study, we
re-evaluated the efficiency of eight different products; three out of eight are insecticides, LESENTA®,
REGENT® 50SC, and DECIS® 250, two products are fungicides, ANTRACOL® 70 WP, and
NATIVO®, and another two products are herbicides, RUMPAS M® and TILLER® G to control rice
black bug in glasshouse, rice leaf folder, thrips, rice stem borer and rice ear bug in rice field, sheath
blight and brown spot diseases, Ischaemum rugosum and Cyperus iria weed species, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To re-evaluate the effectiveness of three (3) insecticides; REGENT® 50SC, LESENTA® and
DECIS® 250

Effect of LESENTA® on the mortality of rice black bug in glasshouse

Insect population/test insects: The rice black bug used in the experiments was reared in glasshouse on
Taichung Native 1 (TN1) from egg to third-instar nymphs (25-28 days old). A colony originally
collected from rice field at Kerian, Perak.

Plants and cages: Seeds of MARDI SIRAJ 297 were sown in ten black pot of 10 cm diameter at seven
seeds per pot. Each pot represents a replication. The seedlings in each pot were thinned at 7 days after
sowing (DAS) into two healthy seedlings per pot. All pots were enclosed with mylar cage (45 cm height
x 9 cm diameter) to prevent test plants from insect infestation.

Insecticide treatment: The dried or yellowing outer leaf sheaths were removed, washed with water and
shade drying before foliar spraying at 29-days. Plants at the age of 30 DAS were treated as described
in Table 1, meanwhile untreated check plants were sprayed with water. All treated plants were covered
with mylar cage before infesting the test insects. 10 third-instars rice black bug were then introduced
on each pot while insecticide/ water droplets still on the plants.

Table 1. Product evaluated on rice black bug

Product name Active Target insect Application
ingredient(s) Rate

LESENTA® Fipronil 40% Rice black bug 75 g/ha
w/w + (Scotinophara coarctata)
Imidaclorprid
40% w/w

82

Data collection and statistical analysis:The number of live third-instar rice black bug nymph from
untreated and treated MARDI Siraj 297 was recorded started at 1h, 4h and 24h after sprayed.
Observation was continued daily until all nymphs become adults or died. Percentage of mortality was
adjusted using Abbott’s formula and the data was expressed in graph. All summarising statistics were
produced using excel. The percentage data were then transformed to arcsine value prior analysis. SAS
statistical package (SAS 9.3) was used for TTEST analysis.

Efficacy of REGENT® 50SC, LESENTA® and DECIS® 250 to control rice stem borer, thrips,
rice leaf folder and rice ear bug in rice field

Table 2: List of products

Product Active Application Target Insect Application Timing
Name Ingredient Rate (Day after transplant,
(s) Rice stem borer DAT)
REGENT® 300ml / ha complex 1) 1st application at
50SC Fipronil 30DAT. 2nd applications
Rice leaf folder at 52DAT
(Cnaphalocrosis 2) 1st application at 25
medinalis) DAT and 2nd application
Rice ear bug at 40 DAT.
(Leptocorisa 3)1st application at 90
oratoria) DAT and 2nd application
at 97 DAT.
Thrips
(Stenchaetothrips 4)Application at 5 DAT
biformis)
1) 1st application at
Rice stem borer 30DAT. 2nd applications
complex at 52DAT
2) 1st application at 25
LESENTA® Fipronil + 75g / ha Rice leaf folder DAT and 2nd application
Imidacloprid (Cnaphalocrosis at 40 DAT.
medinalis) 3)1st application at 90
DECIS® 250 Deltamethrin 250ml / ha Rice ear bug DAT and 2nd application
(Leptocorisa at 97 DAT.
oratoria) 1) 1st application at 25
Rice leaf folder DAT and 2nd application
(Cnaphalocrosis at 40 DAT.
medinalis)
2)1st application at 90
Rice ear bug DAT and 2nd application
(Leptocorisa at 97 DAT
oratoria)

 Plot Size : 150 m2/treatment
 Crop establishment : Transplanting
 Project duration : 1 season
 Variety : MARDI Siraj 297
 Insect pests : Natural infestation
 Data collection : as in table 4

83

Table 3: Data collection and parameters

Types of data Parameters Times of data recordeda
Stem borer  % Injured/damage tillers
scoring  Before spray
counting on dead heart &  1st data: 7 DAA1, 14 DAA1, 21 DAA1
Leaf folder whitehead  2nd data: 7 DAA2, 14 DAA2, 21 DAA2
scoring
 % injured and folded leaves  Before spray
Ear bug counting by using quadrat  1st data: 3 DAA1, 7 DAA1, 14 DAA1
scoring (25cm x 25cm)  2nd data: 3 DAA2, 7 DAA2, 14 DAA2

Thrips  Number of ear bug count  Before spray
(nymph and adult)  1st data: 1 DAA1, 3 DAA1, 7 DAA1
 2nd data: 1 DAA2, 3 DAA2, 7 DAA2, 14
 100 panicles per plot (10
panicle/sampling point) DAA2

 % damage leaf tip  Before spray
 1 HAA, 3 HAA, 6 HAA
Yield  Rice yield (3m x 3m)
 At harvest

aDAA = days after application

HAA = hours after application

To re-evaluate the effectiveness of two (2) fungicides: ANTRACOL® 70 WP and NATIVO®
Efficacy of ANTRACOL 70 WP® to control sheath blight disease in rice

Field experiment using rice variety MR263 was conducted in the experimental plot of MARDI Rice
Research Center, Seberang Perai for one planting season. All agronomic practices including pest
management were typical of commercial rice production in Malaysia. The experiments plot employed
a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The plot size was 16 m2 (4m x
4m). Borders between plots were 1.0m to facilitate cultural operations and insecticides applications.
List of treatments with their application rate and application timing are listed in Table 4:

Table 4: List of treatments

Treatment Application Rate Application time
T1 1.25 kg/ha
ANTRACOL® 70 WP 1st spray: 5th day after
(Propineb) 1.25 kg/ha inoculation

(CURATIVE) 2nd spray: 2 weeks
after 1st application
T2 ANTRACOL® 70 WP
(Propineb) 1st spray: Spray/
application at
(PREVENTIVE) maximum tillering
stage, then
inoculation on 3-5
days later

T3 Untreated 2nd spray:2 weeks
after 1st application
--

84

 Data collection: Disease assessments was done a week after inoculation by measuring the
lesion height and the height of the tiller according to Standard Evaluation System of Rice
(SES). Calculation of relative lesion height (RLH) is as follows :

Relative lesion height % = Highest point lesion seen (cm) X 100

Plant height (cm)

The first scoring was done on the 5th day after inoculation at the stage of maximum tillering. The
second to 6th scorings was done at 1 week intervals.

 Other parameter: Data on zinc effect/greening effect trough chlorophyll meter (SPAD
meter).

 Yield: Yield was harvested and assessed on 3m x 3m basis.

Efficacy of NATIVO® to control brown spot disease in rice field

Field experiment using rice variety MR219 was conducted in the experimental plot of MARDI Rice
Research Center, Seberang Perai for one planting season. All agronomic practices including pest
management were typical of commercial rice production in Malaysia. The experiments plot employed
a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The plot size was 16 m2 (4m x
4m). Borders between plots were 1.0m to facilitate cultural operations and insecticides applications.
List of treatments with their application rate and application timing are listed in Table 5:

Table 5: List of treatments

Treatment Application Rate Application time

T1 Untreated --

T2 NATIVO®(Trifloxystrobin + 0.25kg/ha 1st spray: 57 DAS

Tebuconazole) (panicle initiation)

2nd spray: 77 DAS

(heading)

 Inoculation: Inoculation was done at 60DAS by spraying the spore suspension (2-3X104
spores/ml).

 Disease assessment: Disease assessment was done by scoring the severity (% of infected leaf
area) on the leaf at 1 week interval before and after first spray.

To re-evaluate the efficacy of RUMPAS M® and TILLER® G on Ischaemum rugosum and
Cyperus iria weed species.

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate phytotoxic activity of RUMPAS M® and TILLER G®
on Ischaemum rugosum and Cyperus iria, respectively. Each weed species were collected from three
(3) different biotypes, located at rice fields around IADA Pulau Pinang (Bumbung Lima), IADA Barat
Laut Selangor (Tanjung Karang), and MADA Kuala Sanglang (seeds given by Mr. Azmel Abdul
Majid from Bayer).

The bioassay plants were sown in plastic cups (14 cm diameter) and pesticide-free soil from rice field
was used as a medium. Herbicides were sprayed on weed species as suggested in the product label
(Table 10). Control cups were treated with water. Herbicides were sprayed by using a knapsack
sprayer with a flat-fan nozzle, delivering 250 L/ha at spray pressure of 100 kPa. All treatments were
arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications. The experiment was repeated
twice.

85

Table 10: Herbicide summary according to product label

Product name Active Target weed Herbicide Application
RUMPAS M® ingredient(s) species rate timing
0.87 L/ha
Fenoxaprop-p- Ischaemum Post-emergent
ethyl rugosum 0.6 L/ha herbicide (14
days after
TILLER G® Fenoxaprop-p- Cyperus iria sowing)
ethyl +
Ethoxysulfuron Post-emergent
herbicide (14
days after
sowing)

0.8 L/ha Late post-
emergent
herbicide (19
days after
sowing)

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Effect of LESENTA® on mortality of rice black bug in glasshouse

The results of glasshouse evaluation of LESENTA® against rice black bug (Scotinophara coarctata)
shown that the mortality of black bug started as early as 1 hour after treatment application. 100 %
mortality of black bug occurs at 24 hours after treatment application.

T- test analysis showed that the mean of untreated and LESENTA® treatment was significantly different
at 1 hour after application with Pr < .0001. The LESENTA® treatment is effectively controls the rice
black bug in glasshouse condition.

Efficacies of REGENT® 50SC, LESENTA® and DECIS® 250 to control rice stem borer, thrips,
rice leaf folder and rice ear bug in rice field

REGENT® 50SC
Rice stem borer: Results had shown that there was no significant difference on rice stem borer
infestation between untreated and REGENT® 50SC treatment at P>0.05 on percentage of rice stem
borer infestation. However, REGENT® 50SC treated plot has lower rice stem borer infestation
compared with untreated plot.

Rice leaf folder: Results had shown that there was a significant difference on rice leaf folder infestation
between untreated and REGENT® 50SC treatments at P>0.01. REGENT® 50SC treated plot has the
lowest rice leaf folder infestation compared with untreated plot. Overall, 60.75% of rice leaf folder
infestation had been control by REGENT® 50SC throughout trial period. The control rate was
increased from 3 DAA (50%) until the highest at 14 DAA (83.88%). It slowly decreased after 2nd
application took place until 14 days after, 29 DAA (55.79%).

86

Rice ear bug: Result had shown that there was a significant difference on the number of rice ear bug
between untreated and REGENT® 50SC treatments at P>0.01 REGENT® 50SC treated plot has lower
number of rice ear bug compared with untreated plot. Generally, 41.36% of rice ear bug infestation had
been control by REGENT® 50SC throughout trial period. The percentage of control was slowly
increased until it reaches 50% at 14 DAA. It was then slowly decreased at 21 DAA with 41.18% control.

Thrips: The effectiveness study of REGENT® 50SC to control thrips had been repeated so many times.
The population didn’t breed in glasshouse and the experiment was done in rice field condition. The
problem arise when the population was not enough to conduct the experiment and the weather condition
specifically rainfall has interfered data collection. The results shown are a 6-hour feasibility study with
a low population number. The subsequent raining has led to a disruption thrips populations and data
collection has stopped so far.The results for this study shows that there was a significant difference on
the number of thrips between untreated and REGENT® 50SC treatment at P>0.01 (Figure 10).
REGENT® 50SC treated plot has the lowest number of thrips compared with untreated plot.

LESENTA®
Rice stem borer: Result shows that there was no significant difference on rice stem borer infestation
between untreated and LESENTA® treatment at P>0.05 on percentage of rice stem borer infestation.
LESENTA® treated plot has the lower rice stem borer infestation compared with the untreated plot.

Rice leaf folder: Result shows that there was a significant difference on rice leaf folder infestation
between untreated and LESENTA® treatments at P>0.01. LESENTA® treated plot has the lowest rice
leaf folder infestation compared with untreated plot.

Rice ear bug: Result shows that there was a significant difference on the number of rice ear bug
between untreated and LESENTA® treatments at P>0.01 LESENTA® treated plot has the lowest
number of rice ear bug compared with untreated plot.

DECIS® 250
Rice leaf folder: This result shows that there was a significant difference on rice leaf folder infestation
between untreated and DECIS® 250 treated plot at P>0.01. DECIS® 250 treated plots has lower rice
leaf folder infestation compared to untreated plot.

Rice ear bug:Result shows that there was a significant difference on the number of rice ear bug between
untreated and DECIS® 250 treatments at P>0.01. DECIS® 250 treated plots has lower number of rice
ear bug compared with untreated plot.
3.3 Efficacy of ANTRACOL 70 WP® to control sheath blight disease in rice

After the 1st application, treated plots (T1 and T2) showed lower RLH compared to untreated plot by
27.8%-32.7%. However, there was no significant difference among all treatments. At RLH5 (70DAT),
results showed that the relative lesion height for T1 (curative) (7 day after 2nd application) and T2
(preventive) (14 day after 2nd application) were significantly lower than T3 (untreated). The percentage
of sheath blight disease control compared to untreated is 17.2%-23.9% after second application of the
ANTRACOL® 70 WP.

Efficacy of NATIVO® to control brown spot disease in rice field

Results indicated that diseased leaf area (%) of brown spot disease in the plot treated with NATIVO®
was significantly lower compared to untreated plot at DAS67 (10 days after 1st fungicide application).
The DLA in treated plot (T2- NATIVO®) was remained lower than untreated plot after 2nd application
at 84DAS and 90DAS.

87

Effect of RUMPAS M® and TILLER G® on survival and growth rates of Ischaemum rugosum and
Cyperus iria

The emergence and growth of I. rugosum from the MADA biotype were fully inhibited at the
recommended rate of RUMPAS M®. Unlikely, weed biotypes from IADA Penang and IADA BLS were
survived 53% and 100%, respectively when treated with RUMPAS M® at labelled rate. This result
indicated that the efficacy of RUMPAS M® is highly dependent on the weed biotype. Fenoxaprop-p-
ethyl is belongs to the ACCase inhibiting herbicide, which widely used in Malaysian rice fields since
1990s. This herbicide group has led to a large proportion of the known cases of resistance in Malaysia.

On the other hand, TILLER G® 0.6 L/ha sprayed at 3-leaf stage reduced emergence and growth
of C. iria effectively. However, reduction in herbicide efficacy was observed when C. iria treated with
0.8 L/ha at 4-leaf stage. The survival rates were ranged from 25 to 45%, depending to the tested
biotypes. These results exhibited that C. iria at 3-leaf stage susceptible to TILLER G® at 0.6 L/ha, while
the labelled rate for 4-leaf stage plant needs to be revised.

CONCLUSION

REGENT® 50SC:
 Effective to control rice leaf folder infestation at seven days after 1st application until 14 days

after 2nd application in natural infestation (field condition).
 Effective to control rice ear bug at 7 days after 2nd application in natural infestation (field

condition).
 Not effective to control rice stem borer in natural infestation (field condition). Application

dosages need to be revised.
LESENTA®:
 Effective to control rice black bug according to product label in glasshouse condition.
 Effective to control rice leaf folder infestation at three days after 1st application until 7 days

after 2nd application in natural infestation (field condition).
 Effective to control rice ear bug up to three days after 2nd application in natural infestation

(field condition).
 Not effective to control rice stem borer in natural infestation (field condition). Application

dosages need to be revised.
DECIS® 250:
 Effective to control rice leaf folder infestation up to seven days after 1st application in natural

infestation (field condition).
 Effective to control rice ear bug at three days after application in natural infestation (field

condition).
ANTRACOL® 70 WP is effective to control sheath blight disesae in rice.
NATIVO® is effective to control brown spot disesae in rice.
RUMPAS M®
 Ischaemum rugosum collected from IADA BLS has developed resistant towards Fenoxaprop-

p-ethyl.
TILLER G®
 The label rate for 4-leaf stage Cyperus iria needs to be revised.

REFERENCE

Heinrichs, E.A, Chelliah, S., Valencia, S.L., Arceo, M.B., Fabellar, L.T., Aquino, G.B. and Pickin, S.
(1981). Manual for testing insecticides on rice.

88

EVALUATION OF ADVANSIA’S INSECTICIDE TO CONTROL RICE
LEAF FOLDER AND RICE STEM BORERS IN MALAYSIAN RICE
CULTIVATION

Maisarah Mohamad Saad and Mohd Fitri Masaruddin

1Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development
Institute

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Despite significant advances in the development of insect-resistant varieties and other insect control
methods, insecticides remain a common control method for rice insect pests. The efficacy of two active
ingredients, Indoxacarb 150g/l (14.7%w/w) and Methoxyfenozide (22.5%w/w) was evaluated against
natural infestation of rice leaf folder and rice stem borer. Randomized block experiments with seven
treatments and four replications were conducted in the experimental plot of MARDI Rice Research
Center, Seberang Perai during Main Season 2018/2019 and Off Season 2019. The results indicated that
these particular active ingredient of Indoxacarb 150g/l (14.7%w/w) and Methoxyfenozide (22.5%w/w)
were able to control rice leaf folder and rice stem borer in rice field in either single or combination. The
combination of both ingredients did not produce any adverse impact on their efficiency. The efficiency
of tested product is equivalent to current popular product (check) used in the market.

Keywords: Indoxacarb 150g/l, Methoxyfenozide (22.5%w/w), insecticide evaluation, rice leaf folder, rice stem
borer

INTRODUCTION

Indoxacarb is used for the control of certain lepidopteran pests including the beet armyworm.
Indoxacarb is designated by the EPA to be a “reduced-risk” pesticide and is considered an
organophosphate (OP) replacement. It has moderate to low acute and chronic toxicity and does not
cause mutagenic, carcinogenic, developmental, or reproductive effects. Some neurotoxicity was
present, but often at fatal doses. Based on the lack of evidence of increased susceptibility of infants and
children, the Agency reduced the FQPA safety factor to 1X. Indoxacarb 14.7% belongs to the
oxadiazine chemical family and is being registered for the control of lepidopterous pests in the larval
stages. Insecticidal activity occurs via blockage of the sodium channels in the insect nervous system
and the mode of entry is via the stomach and contact routes.

Indoxacarb 14.7% applications during early stages of plant growth protect the plant during
critical stages of development, translating into better performance and yield. The normal recommend
application rate is 100ml per hectare which depend on the insects’ outbreak incident. Indoxacarb 14.7
provides an effective control of lepidopterous pests in the larval stages. Internationally, it was proven
to be an effective solution to control of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (leaf folder) in paddy and borers such
as Maruca testulalis and Helicoverpa virescens in certain crops. Indoxacarb 14.7% is suitable for
application on paddy, leafy and fruity vegetables, fruits tree, and ornamentals. Indoxacarb 14.7% is
compatible with most agricultural chemicals. It is NOT compatible with microbial BioPesticides and
Microbial BioFertilizers. Indoxacarb 14.7% is stable for a period of 24 months from the date of
manufacturing.

Meanwhile, Methoxyfenozide [N-tert-butyl-N ′-(3-methoxy-o-toluoyl)-3,5-xylohydrazide;
RH-2485] is the newest diacylhydrazine insecticide to reach the marketplace. It binds with very high
affinity to the ecdysone receptor complex (EcR:USP) in lepidopteran insects [Kd = 0.5 nM (Plodia)],
where it functions as a potent agonist, or mimic, of the insect molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone
(20E). Methoxyfenozide exhibits high insecticidal efficacy against a wide range of important caterpillar
pests, including many members of the family Pyralidae, Pieridae, Tortricidae and Noctuidae. It is most

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effective when ingested by the target caterpillar, but it also has some topical and ovicidal properties. It
is modestly root systemic, but not significantly leaf-systemic. In the present study, we evaluated the
efficiency of Indoxacarb 150g/l (14.7%w/w) and Methoxyfenozide (22.5%w/w) to control rice leaf
folder and rice stem borer in rice field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field experiments were conducted in the experimental plot of MARDI Rice Research Center, Seberang
Perai during Main Season 2018/2019 and Off Season 2019. The seedlings of MARDI Siraj 297 were
transplanted at 18 days old at 30 cm x 18 cm hill spacing in the both seasons. All agronomic practices
including diseases management were typical of commercial rice production in Malaysia.

The experiments plot employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments
(including one commercial check and untreated) and four replications. The entire experimental area was
measured as 22 m x 36 m, which was divided into four equal blocks. Each block was divided into seven
plots, and the seven treatments were allotted at random to the plots in each block. Thus, there were 28
(7 x 4) plots in the experiment each season. The plot size was 16 m2 (4m x 4m). Borders between plots
were 1.0m to facilitate cultural operations and insecticides applications. Seven treatments with their
application rate, target insect and application timing are listed in Table 1.0:

Table 1.0: Treatment

Trea Product name Application Target insect Application Timinga
tme Rate
nt Rice leaf 1)1st application was at 36
folder DAT (Tillering stage).
T1 Indoxacarb 150g/l 100ml/ha Rice stem 2) 2nd applications were at
(14.7%w/w) borer 61 DAT (booting stage).
Rice leaf
T2 Indoxacarb 150g/l 140ml/ha folder
(14.7%w/w) Rice stem
borer
T3 Methoxyfenozide 312ml/ha
(22.5%w/w) Rice leaf
folder
T4 Indoxacarb + (70ml
Methoxyfenozide +200ml)/ha Rice leaf
folder
T5 Indoxacarb + (100ml Rice stem
Methoxyfenozide +200ml)/ha borer
Rice leaf
Chlorantraniliprol folder
Rice stem
T6 e (5% w/w) 400ml/ha borer
Rice leaf
(positive control) folder
Rice stem
T7 Untreated No insecticide borer
(negative control) application
Field
incidence

aDAT = day after transplant

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Assessment of leaf folder and stem borer (complex)

Pre-treatment observations were made at 24h before the application of insecticides. Assessment of leaf
folder, deadheart and whitehead damage symptom caused by leaf folder and stem borer was made by
randomly selected 25cm x 25cm quadrate per plot and the damage was worked out as below:

%leaf folder = (number of damaged leaves / Total number of leaves) x 100

% deadhearts = (Number of damaged tillers / Total number of tillers) x 100

% whiteheads = (Number of damaged productive tillers / Total number of productive tillers) x 100
(Heinrich et al., 1985)

To assess the performance of treatments percent reduction over control was calculated with the
following formula.

Percent reduction over control = [(Untreated check – treatment)/Untreated check)] x 100
Grain yield/plot was also recorded at harvest and it was converted into kg/ha at 14% moisture content
for further analysis and comparison.

The data obtained from the field experiments were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for
a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in SAS 9.4 (PROC MIXED, SAS Institute Inc. 2014).
Critical value were calculated at 5% probability level and the treatment mean values of the experiment
were compared using Duncan‘s multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level of significance (Gomez
and Gomez, 1984). The data of percent insects’ incidence were transformed into square root values
before the statistical analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Efficacies of insecticides on rice leaf folder (RLF) symptoms

First season (Main season 2018/2019): The incidence of leaf folder was very low. However,
population of rice leaf folder (RLF) in untreated plot steadily increased throughout the trial indicated
by the increased damaged leaves. Results of 1st season show that all treatments given were able to reduce
the percentage of damaged leaves incident with significant difference observed across treated plot s as
early as 3 DAA1, 7 DAA1, 14 DAA1, and 28DAA1/3DAA2.

Second season (Off season 2019): The incidence of leaf folder was high at the early stage of the
plant. Significant differences in incidence of RLFs among all treatments were observed as previous
season which is at 3 DAA1, 7 DAA1 and 14 DAA of the first spray and at the 3rd day of the second
spray (labelled as 30 DAA1/3 DAA2). All tested insecticides provided more than 65% reduction of
RLF symptoms over the 14-d observation period. Pattern at 7DAS were similar, all insecticides reduced
RLF symptoms compared to the untreated plot.

Efficacies of insecticides on rice stem borer (RSB): DH symptoms and WH symptoms

First season (Main Season 2018/2019): All treatments recorded lower percentage of deadheart
compared to untreated plot with significant difference observed across the treatments. Almost all
treatments were able to provide comparable control to commercial standard up to 14 DAA1.

Second application was done at 61DAT, during booting stage. Under normal stem borer pressure, all
treatments were able to keep the percentage of whitehead at minimal up to 28 days after second spray
(89 DAT). At this plant age, percentage whitehead in untreated plot increased promptly. We found that
lower percentage of whitehead in all treatments plot compared to untreated plot. There were significant
differences at 28 days after second spray with all treatments were able to provide >50% control.

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Second season (Off Season 2019): The stem borer incidence (DH symptoms) was very low in the
second season evaluation. The significant result was only found at 7 DAA1 and 30 DAA1/3 DAA2
with almost all the insecticides were able to reduce the formation of deadheart compared to the untreated
plot. No significant different at 14 DAA1 of all seven treatments. This result might be due to the timing
of the first insecticide application (early spray because of high RLF infestation).

Second application in the second season was done at 27 days after the first application. Under
lower stem borer pressure, all treatments were able to keep the percentage of whitehead at minimal as
the first season. All tested insecticides has shown better result against stem borer infestation and were
able to provide >46% control rather than commercial check and >60% control than untreated plot.

Effects of insecticides application on rice yield

Yields differed significantly among insecticides treatments in both Main Season 2018/2019 (F=12.90,
P<0.0001) and Off Season 2019 (F=4.32, p<0.0072). All the treatments plots gave superior yields than
untreated (control) plots. It is found that Indoxacarb + Methoxyfenozide 100ml + 200ml ha-1 treated
plot recorded highest yield of 2204.6 kg ha-1 (82.4% yield increase over control) followed by Indoxacarb
140ml ha-1 (2185.1 kg ha-1 and 80.8% yield increase over control), Indoxacarb 100ml ha-1 (2132.9 kg
ha-1 and 76.5% yield increase over control), Indoxacarb + Methoxyfenozide 70ml + 200ml ha-1 (2124.9
kg ha-1and 75.8% yield increase over control), Chlorantraniliprole 400ml ha-1 (2068.8 kg ha-1 and 71.2%
yield increase over control) and Methoxyfenozide 312ml ha-1 (2059.4 kg ha-1 and 70.4% yield increase
over control).

Effects of insecticides application on natural enemies’ populations

At 1-day before insecticide application, we found that there were low densities of natural enemies in
the trial plot. No significant differences were observed in numbers of natural enemies (F=0.47; df=6,
27; P=0.83) among treatments. We also found that all insecticides treated plot did not show any side
effect to insects other than pests from insecticide spray when no significant differences were seen in the
number of natural enemies at 83 days after application. The highest number of natural enemies caught
in sweeping net was from Methoxyfenozide 312ml/ha trial plot.

In the Off Season 2019 trial, no significant differences in densities of natural enemy were observed
among insecticides treated and untreated plot (F=0.53; df=6,27; P=0.78) at the 1st insect sampling. No
differences also found at 83 days after insecticide application (F=0.25; df=6,27; P=0.96). The highest
number of natural enemies’ presence (after insecticide applications) in Off Season 2019 was on
Indoxacarb + Methoxyfenozide 70ml + 200ml/ha plot. Followed by Methoxyfenozide 312ml/ha plot,
Indoxacarb + Methoxyfenozide 100ml + 200ml/ha plot and plot treated by Chlorantraniliprole
400ml/ha.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the present evaluation revealed that these particular active ingredient of Indoxacarb 150g/l
(14.7%w/w) and Methoxyfenozide (22.5%w/w) were able to control rice leaf folder and rice stem borer
in rice field in either single or combination. The combination of both ingredients did not produce any
adverse impact on their efficiency. The efficiency of tested product is equivalent to current popular
product (check) used in the market.

REFERENCE

Heinrichs, E.A, Chelliah, S., Valencia, S.L., Arceo, M.B., Fabellar, L.T., Aquino, G.B. and Pickin, S.
(1981). Manual for testing insecticides on rice.

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VERIFICATION ON THE EFFICACY OF ADVANSIA’S
INSECTICIDES, FUNGICIDES AND HERBICIDES TO CONTROL

PESTS, DISEASES AND WEEDS IN MALAYSIAN RICE
CULTIVATION

Mohd Fitri Masarudin, Siti Norsuha Misman and Dilipkumar Masilamany

Pests and Diseases Management Programme, Paddy and Rice Research Centre, MARDI Sbrg. Perai

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The project contract funded by Advansia Sdn. Bhd. was to re-evaluate the efficacy of their products listed
in ‘Skim Insentif Pengeluaran Padi’ (SIPP) namely AKESS, AZATIN, AKARA, AMOLIN, ABIMEE,
ALCHER and ALIMIN to control insect pests, diseases, and weeds as described on product labels in rice
cultivation. The methodology was divided into disciplines and target pests. The results for AKESS 50WG
and AZATIN 46.3SC were shows that it able to control BPH and GLH. ABIMEE 9.5SC, ALCHER 10.1EC,
and ALIMIN 10WP also controlled all weeds species listed in the label without affecting rice growth.
Results for AMOLIN 29.2EC and AKARA 75WP is pending. The study had been done but the data is still
in processing.

Keywords: Advansia’s product, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides,‘Skim Insentif Pengeluaran Padi’
(SIPP)

INTRODUCTION

This is a project contract with Advansia Sdn. Bhd. to re-evaluate the efficacy of their products
listed in ‘Skim Insentif Pengeluaran Padi’ (SIPP) namely AKESS, AZATIN, AKARA, AMOLIN,
ABIMEE, ALCHER and ALIMIN to control insect pests, diseases, and weeds as described on product
labels in rice cultivation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted in glasshouse and research plot condition in MARDI Seberang Perai,
Pulau Pinang. Its divided into three disciplines; pests, diseases and weeds with different research
methods conducted.

Effects of AKESS and AZATIN on the mortality of selected insect pests

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AZATIN 46.3SC on brown
planthopper (BPH) and green leafhopper (GLH) and also AKESS 50WG on BPH. The bioassay plants,
MARDI Siraj 297 was sown in plastic pots (24 cm diameter) and pesticide-free soil from rice field was
used as a medium. Insecticides were sprayed on rice plant as suggested in the product label and the
control pot was treated with water. After spraying, 10 third-instar nymphs of insects introduced on each
plants and covered with cylindrical mylar cage. All treatments were arranged in a complete randomized
design (CRD) with 5 replications and the experiment was repeated twice. Insecticides efficacy was
determined by evaluating the mortality number of insects daily with start from one day after treatment
until all nymphs become adults or died.

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Efficacy of AMOLIN to control sheath blight disease in rice field

A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AMOLIN 29.2EC on sheath blight disease.
MR219 was transplant into 4m x 4m each trial plot and arranged in a randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 4 replications. The rice straw infected with of Rhizoctonia solani (inoculum source) was
inoculate at rice hills during maximum tillering stage. Fungicides were sprayed on rice plant as
suggested in the product label and the control plot was treated with water. Fungicides assessment was
done by measuring the lesion height and the height of the tiller according to Standard Evaluation System
of Rice (SES). Data recorded by weekly intervals and started before inoculation. The rice yield was
harvested and assessed by 3m x 3m basis.

Efficacy of AMOLIN to control brown spot disease in rice

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AMOLIN 29.2EC on sheath blight
disease. The bioassay plants, MR219 was sown in plastic pots (20 cm diameter) and pesticide-free soil
from rice field was used as a medium. All treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design
(CRD) with 4 replications and the experiment was repeated twice. The Inoculation was done at 20 day
after sowing by spraying the spore suspension (2-3 X 104 spores/ml). Fungicides were sprayed on rice
plant as suggested in the product label and the control plot was treated with water. Fungicides
assessment was done by scoring the percentage of infected leaf area (%) at 4 days after inoculation
(when symptom appeared) and followed by one week interval.

Efficacy of AMOLIN to control brown spot disease in rice field

A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AMOLIN 29.2EC on brown spot disease.
MR219 was transplant into 4m x 4m each trial plot and arranged in a randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 4 replications. The inoculation was done at 3 weeks before heading (booting stage) by
spraying the inoculum. Fungicides were sprayed on rice plant as suggested in the product label and the
control plot was treated with water. Fungicides assessment was done by scoring the percentage of
infected leaf area (%) at 1 week interval before and after spray.

Efficacy of AKARA to control leaf blast disease in rice

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AKARA 75WP on leaf blast disease.
The bioassay plants, MR219 was sown in plastic pots (20 cm diameter) and pesticide-free soil from rice
field was used as a medium. All treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with
4 replications and the experiment was repeated twice. The spore suspension of Pyricularia oryzae was
inoculated at 1 X 105 spores/ml during 3-4 leaf stage (~14 DAS). Fungicides were sprayed on rice plant
as suggested in the product label and the control plot was treated with water. Fungicides assessment
was done by scoring the disease according to 0-9 scale as described by SES of rice at before inoculation
(14 DAS), before treatment when symptom appeared, 14, 21 and 28 days after inoculation.

Efficacy of AKARA to control panicle blast disease in rice field

A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of AKARA 75WP on panicle blast disease.
MR219 was transplant into 4m x 4m each trial plot and arranged in a randomized complete block design
(RCBD) with 4 replications. The spore suspension of Pyricularia oryzae was inoculated at 1X105
spores/ml during <25% panicle exertion (~76 - 77 DAS). Fungicides were sprayed on rice plant as
suggested in the product label and the control plot was treated with water. Fungicides assessment was
done by scoring the disease according to 0-9 scale as described by SES of rice at before inoculation (75
DAS), before treatment, 7 and 14 days after treatment. The rice yield was harvested and assessed by
3m x 3m basis.

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Evaluation on herbicides efficacy

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate phytotoxic activity and efficacy of ABIMEE 9.5SC,
ALCHER 10.1EC, and ALIMIN 10WP on the selected weed species and rice plant, MARDI Siraj 297.
The tested herbicide rates and weed species were listed in Table 1 (not shown here). The bioassay plants
was sown in plastic cups (14 cm diameter) and pesticide-free soil from rice field was used as a medium.
Herbicides were sprayed on weed species as suggested in the product label. Control cup was treated
with water. Herbicides were sprayed using a CO2-pressurized backpack sprayer fitted with a single flat-
fan nozzle, delivering 200 or 300 L/ha depending to the product label. All treatments were arranged in
a complete randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications. The experiment was repeated twice.

Herbicide efficacy was determined by evaluating weed injury at day 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after
treatment (DAT). Herbicide injury based on the score scale where 0% indicated no injury while100%
indicated complete plant death. The remaining weed plants in each pot at 20 DAT were uprooted,
washed with tap water, sun-dried, and separately oven-dried at 70 °C for constant dry mass, and then
weighed. Rice phytotoxic activity was evaluated based on the score, where 0% indicated no
phytotoxicity while 100% indicated complete rice plant death. The dry biomass of rice plants were
recorded as described above.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Effects of AKESS and AZATIN on the mortality of selected insect pests

Overall the tested insecticides, AKESS 50WG and AZATIN 46.3SC were able to control BPH and
GLH. The result for AKESS 50WG shows the mortality of BPH started as early as one hour after
treatment application (30%). 100% mortality of BPH occurs at 144 hours which was at the six day after
treatment application. On the other hand, the mortality of BPH treated with AZATIN 46.3SC was
slowly response where after 24 hours, 31% of BPH was died. Complete mortality had shown after 168
hours which mean at the seven days after treatment application. Similar response on the mortality of
GLH treated with AZATIN 46.3SC. After 24 hours, only 10% of GLH was died. Complete mortality
had shown after 168 hours which mean at the seven days after treatment application.

Efficacy of AMOLIN to control sheath blight disease in rice field

The study had been done but the data is still in processing.

Efficacy of AMOLIN to control brown spot disease in rice

The study had been done but the data is still in processing.

Efficacy of AMOLIN to control brown spot disease in rice field

The tested fungicides, AMOLIN 29.2EC was not be able to control brown spot disease in field
condition. Disease severity for untreated and treated was quite similar until 110 DAS with 10% for
AMOLIN 29.2EC and 13% for untreated.

Efficacy of AKARA to control leaf blast disease in rice

The study had been done but the data is still in processing.

Efficacy of AKARA to control panicle blast disease in rice field

The tested fungicides, AKARA 75WP was able to control panicle blast disease in field condition.
The first treatment was not show any different between treated and untreated. After second application,
disease incidence decreasing for treated plot while the untreated plot shows constant. It was significant
difference at 110 DAS in which AKARA 75WP treated plot has 0.4% disease incidence while untreated
plot has 1.5% disease incidence.

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Evaluation on herbicides efficacy

Overall all tested herbicides and rates were completely inhibited the growth of all tested weed
species (Table 2). The growth of the weeds treated with ABIMEE 9.5SC at 300 ml/ha were completely
inhibited at 10 days after treatment (DAT), except for L. octovalvis, S. guyanensis, and M. vaginalis.
However, the growths of these 3 weed species were completely controlled at 15 DAT. Similar response
was also observed at some broadleaf weed species treated with ALIMIN 10WP. L. hyssopifolia, S.
guyanensis, and M. vaginalis treated with ALIMIN 10WP at 300 g/ha were completely inhibited at 15
DAT, the rest of the tested weeds species for the herbicide rates 140 and 210 g/ha were completely
inhibited at 10 DAT. On the other hand, the growth of E. crus-galli and L. chinensis were completely
controlled by ALCHER 10.1EC (1.2 L/ha) at 10 DAT.

Table 2: Efficacy of ABIMEE 9.5SC, ALCHER 10.1EC, and ALIMIN 10WP on selected
rice weed species.

Herbicide Herbicide rate Weed species Herbicide injury Dry biomass

(%, relative to control)

ABIMEE 9.5SC 300 ml/ha E. crus-galli 100 0

E. colona 100 0

I. rugosum 100 0

F. miliacea 100 0

C. difformis 100 0

C. iria 100 0

M. vaginalis 100 0

S. guyanensis 100 0

S. zeylanica 100 0

L. octovalvis 100 0

ALCHER 10.1EC 1.2 L/ha E. crus-galli 100 0

L. chinensis 100 0

ALIMIN 10WP 140 g/ha L. flava 100 0

C. pilosus 100 0

M. vaginalis 100 0

210 g/ha F. milicea 100 0

S. guyanensis 100 0

300 g/ha C. iria 100 0

L. hyssopifolia 100 0

S. guyanensis 100 0

F. milicea 100 0

M. vaginalis 100 0

S. juncoides 100 0

E. indica 100 0

Note: Herbicide injury was recorded at 15 days after treatment (0% - no herbicide effect, 100% -

complete plant death)

As expected, all tested herbicides rates were not significantly affected the growth of rice (MARDI
Siraj 297). Phytotoxicity scale in Table 3 indicated there are no herbicides effects on rice. Similarly,
rice dry biomass did not affected by the herbicides treatments except for ALCHER 10.1EC at 1.2 L/ha.
However the percentage of reduction was not significant compared to the control.

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Table 3: Phytotoxicity of ABIMEE 9.5SC, ALCHER 10.1EC, and ALIMIN 10WP on rice
plant (MARDI Siraj 297).

Herbicide Herbicide rate Herbicide injury (%, relative to

control)

ABIMEE 9.5SC 300 ml/ha 0

ALCHER 10.1EC 1.2 L/ha 0

ALIMIN 10WP 140 g/ha 0

210 g/ha 0

300 g/ha 0

Note: Herbicide injury was recorded at 15 days after treatment (0% - no herbicide effect, 100% -

complete plant death)

CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, the current label rates of AKESS 50WG and AZATIN 46.3SC were able to control
BPH and GLH. ABIMEE 9.5SC, ALCHER 10.1EC, and ALIMIN 10WP also controlled all weeds
species listed in the label without affecting rice growth.

REFERENCES

Badrulhadza, A., Kogeethavani, R., Siti Norsuha, M., Maisarah, M. S., Mohd Fitri, M., Dilipkumar, M.,
Chong, T. V., Erwan Shah, S., and Atiqah, M. K. (2020) Prosedur Kajian Keberkesanan Input
Pertanian Bagi Pengawalan Penyakit, Perosak dan Rumpai Padi. Kementerian Pertanian dan Industri
Makanan.

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