Development of a Foliar Synergist Based on Radiation-Synthesized Potassium Polyacrylate for Rice Yield Enhancement

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Polymer Science
• Plant Physiology

Background:

• Stable rice production is crucial for global food security and agricultural sustainability.
• Climate change necessitates advanced crop management strategies for sustained rice yields.
• Current foliar fertilizers lack prolonged water retention and nutrient availability on leaf surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sprayable, polymer-based foliar formulation combining hydrogel-like moisture preservation with foliar application compatibility.
• To create a foliar moisture-preserving synergist (FMPS) for enhanced nutrient delivery and water retention.
• To evaluate the impact of FMPS on rice yield and its components.

Main Methods:

• Development of FMPS using radiation-synthesized potassium polyacrylate (PAA-K) with incorporated urea and glucose.
• Structural characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and morphological analysis.
• Field evaluation of FMPS efficacy on rice under standard growth conditions.

Main Results:

• FMPS incorporation induced morphological changes in PAA-K and suggested intermolecular interactions.
• Significant increases in effective panicle number (29.3%), filled grain number (18.4%), and seed-setting rate (4.0%) were observed.
• FMPS application led to a substantial improvement in overall rice yield.

Conclusions:

• FMPS demonstrates potential as an effective hydrogel-inspired foliar formulation for enhancing rice productivity.
• The formulation addresses limitations of conventional foliar fertilizers by improving moisture and nutrient retention.
• This innovation contributes to sustainable agriculture and food security through improved crop management.