Statement of Foliar Fertilization Impact on Yield, Composition, and Oxidative Biomarkers in Rice

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Foliar fertilization offers potential improvements over traditional fertilization in rice cultivation.
• Phytoprostanes (PhytoPs) and phytofurans (PhytoFs) are key biomarkers of oxidative degradation in plants, derived from α-linolenic acid peroxidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of foliar fertilization on PhytoP and PhytoF concentrations in rice.
• To explore the relationship between foliar fertilization, oxidative stress biomarkers, and rice yield/quality parameters.

Main Methods:

• Application of foliar fertilization to different rice genotypes.
• Quantification of PhytoPs and PhytoFs as indicators of oxidative stress.
• Analysis of yield parameters including yield (g m⁻²), 1000 whole-grain weight (g), and protein content (% dry matter).

Main Results:

• Foliar fertilization application led to a significant decrease in the concentration of oxidative stress biomarkers (PhytoPs and PhytoFs).
• The response varied significantly based on rice genotype and the specific biomarker monitored.
• Key yield parameters such as yield, 1000 whole-grain weight, and protein content remained largely unaffected by the fertilization treatment.

Conclusions:

• This research is the first to document the effects of fertilization on PhytoPs and PhytoFs in various rice genotypes.
• PhytoPs and PhytoFs demonstrate strong potential as reliable biomarkers for monitoring specific abiotic stresses, particularly nutritional stress, in rice cultivation.