Hydrogen-rich water treatment for enhancing rice disease resistance and reducing pesticide use

Overview

This solution leverages molecular hydrogen (H2) as a bioactive signaling molecule to enhance natural disease resistance in rice crops, specifically targeting rice stripe virus (RSV). By applying hydrogen-rich water through irrigation, farmers can reduce reliance on chemical pesticides such as imidacloprid and pymetrozine while maintaining or improving crop protection. Laboratory validation has demonstrated significant reductions in disease incidence for both resistant (Zhendao88, 33.3% reduction) and susceptible (Wuyujing 3, 39.7% reduction) rice varieties. The approach also supports soil microbiome health by working with natural hydrogen uptake and release activities in soil ecosystems.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Hydrogen-rich water application via irrigation systems to trigger plant immunity
• Activation of endogenous hydrogen and salicylic acid synthesis pathways in rice plants
• Compatible with reduced-dose pesticide programs (half or full dose of standard treatments)
• Works across rice varieties with different baseline resistance levels
• Supports soil microorganism communities involved in hydrogen cycling
• Validated mechanism involves hydrogenase gene expression for enhanced H2 production

Mechanism of action:

Exogenous and endogenous H2 acts as a signaling molecule that triggers immune responses in rice plants. When challenged with RSV, plants treated with hydrogen-rich water show intensified production of both H2 and salicylic acid, a key plant defense hormone. Removal of endogenous H2 eliminates these protective effects, confirming H2's essential role in the resistance pathway. Overexpression of hydrogenase genes from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in model plants similarly conferred resistance, supporting the biological basis of this approach.

Technology readiness level

This technology has completed laboratory validation with controlled experiments across multiple rice varieties and three independent trials. Field validation is the next step, with planned trials measuring disease incidence, crop yield, and pesticide residues in rice grains over a one-year period. The research team is seeking partnerships for experimental base construction, mechanism analysis, and key personnel funding to advance toward commercial agricultural deployment.