Sili-Max® Limits Arsenic Uptake in Rice

Research Report

Research Conducted by: Luisella Celi, PhD, University of Torino, Italy

Rice (Oryza sativa) is the staple food for more than half the world’s population, feeding about 3.5 billion people. Compared with other crops, however, rice accumulates higher amounts of arsenic (As) due to its cultivation in flooded fields under anaerobic conditions. Arsenic is a toxic and carcinogenic element.

Decreasing As levels in the rice grain, particularly the more toxic inorganic forms (As [III] and As [V]) is, therefore, one of the main objectives of rice producers and policymakers. The European Commission has recently set a limit of As content in commercial rice to 200 µg kg-1 for white rice and to 100 µg kg-1 for baby food rice. Hence, it is essential to establish appropriate agronomic practices for reducing As accumulation in rice.

A promising practice is the application of silicon (Si) sources, since Si competes with As uptake at the root level. There are only a few efficient silicon sources in the market that limit As uptake by plants. Therefore, it is necessary to identify efficient fertilizers that are safe for the environment and food quality.

In this study, Huma Gro® Sili-Max® demonstrated its ability to supply rice plants with available Si while decreasing inorganic As content in the grain more significantly than the other tested Si sources. Sili-Max® proved to be a promising Si source not only for supplying Si but also for limiting plant uptake of inorganic As, one of the most toxic elements in rice products.

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Promax® Efficacy in Controlling Strawberry Pathogens

Plant Sciences, Inc., conducted an independent study to test the efficacy of Promax® for inhibiting mycelial growth of 8 fungal strawberry pathogens through in vitro bio-assay. The following 8 fungi and fungal-like pathogens were tested:

Botrytis cinera
Colletotrichum acutatum
Cylindrocarpon destructans
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae
Macrophomina phaseolina
Phytophthora ramorum
Rhizoctonia solani
Verticillium dahlia

After 1 week of incubation, all 8 pathogens tested were completely inhibited from mycelial growth in media amended with 2% Promax® (see photos, pages 2 and 3). After 2 weeks, 7 of the 8 pathogens were still 100% inhibited. Verticillium dahlia began to grow a little after 2 weeks; the mean percentage inhibition of V. dahliae was 94% after 2 weeks (Figure 1).

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Case Studies

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Case studies are a great way to learn about our crop fertility product uses and effectiveness from other people who have tested them. HUMA GRO® has been testing its products since it was established in 1973.  Now there is a list of recent field trials and 3rd-party research available on the case studies page found on the resources tab.  This page will be updated as new research becomes available throughout the year.

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