Elevated CO2 Priming as a Sustainable Approach to Increasing Rice Tiller Number and Yield Potential

Author: mycolabadmin
2023-03-22
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Summary

This research shows that exposing young rice plants to elevated CO2 levels for just a few weeks can increase their growth and potential yield. The researchers developed practical methods using either yeast or mushroom growth to generate the needed CO2, making it accessible to farmers. The mushroom-based system has the added benefit of producing valuable oyster mushrooms as a secondary product. Impacts on everyday life: • Could help increase rice production to feed growing global population • Provides farmers with potential additional income through mushroom cultivation • Offers sustainable way to improve crop yields without chemical inputs • Helps recycle agricultural waste products • Could make rice farming more economically viable for small-scale farmers

Background

Global annual increases in rice production are decreasing while global population dependent on rice as a staple food continues to grow. Tiller number is closely linked to panicle number and seed production capacity in rice. While genetic factors influence tillering, environmental factors like CO2 levels can also affect tiller development. Previous studies showed increased panicle number and grain characteristics in rice grown at elevated CO2 levels, but the specific developmental timing and mechanisms remained unclear.

Objective

To investigate whether brief exposure to elevated CO2 (CO2 priming) during early growth stages could increase rice tiller number and yield potential, and to develop cost-effective and sustainable systems for implementing CO2 priming in agricultural settings.

Results

Plants exposed to elevated CO2 for 24-28 days showed significantly increased tillering that was maintained after transfer to ambient CO2 conditions. In semi-field trials using yeast-generated CO2, primed plants showed 29% higher yield with more tillers, panicles, filled grains and improved grain weight. In paddy trials using mycelium-generated CO2, primed plants showed 18% more tillers and panicles, though final yield was similar to controls due to reduced grain filling.

Conclusion

Brief exposure to elevated CO2 during early growth stages can effectively increase tiller formation and yield potential in rice. The study demonstrates practical methods for implementing CO2 priming using either yeast or mushroom mycelium, with the latter providing additional economic benefits through mushroom production. While the increased growth potential was fully realized under semi-field conditions, additional optimization may be needed for field implementation.

Published in:Rice,
Study Type:Agricultural Research,
Source: 10.1186/s12284-023-00629-0