Calcium silicate treatment for rice blast disease mitigation

Overview

EcoYield Solutions AB introduces an innovative solution employing calcium silicate to effectively mitigate rice blast disease in rice cultivation. This approach leverages a dual application strategy, including seed treatment and foliar spray, to enhance plant defenses and reduce the incidence and severity of the disease. Calcium silicate forms a physical barrier and primes plant defense pathways, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides without increasing resistance pressure.

Technical specifications

• Seed Treatment: Involves pre-sowing dipping of rice seeds in an aqueous calcium silicate suspension.
• Foliar Spray: Application of a calcium silicate solution directly onto rice leaves.
• Mode of Action:
  • Physical Barrier: Silicon accumulates in the cuticle and cell walls, impeding fungal entry.
  • Defense Priming: Upregulates salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signaling pathways, enhancing systemic acquired resistance (SAR).
• Cost-effectiveness: Treatment costs less than $5 per hectare, making it a viable option for large-scale application.
• Compatibility: Suitable for integration with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic farming systems.

Technology readiness level

Currently at TRL 4, the technology is undergoing formulation optimization and greenhouse trials. Future phases include small-scale field trials across diverse agro-climatic zones to further validate performance, application timing, and economic feasibility, aiming for commercial readiness.