Effect of diatomacious earth on yield and disease infestation of rice

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of diatomaceous earth (DE a source of Silicon) on yield and disease infestation of rice. The experiments were carried out in old alluvial zone of West Bengal during 2012 2013. All the treatments were performed in a completely randomized block design. Results showed a significant increase in grain yield with Si application. Highest grain yield was found in the treatment of DE @ 600 kg ha¹ along with POP (package of practice). The POP contained FYM @ 5 t ha⁻¹, ZnSO₄. 7H₂O @ 25 kg ha⁻¹ and N: P: K:: 100: 50: 50 kg ha⁻¹. All the treatments of Si were found tohavea significant effect in promoting and disease resistance while higher doses of DE had a better effect than lower one. The investigation concludes that application of diatomaceous earth @ 600 kg ha⁻¹ along with POP was effective to increase the grain yield of rice. Whereas, regarding reduction of pest and disease infestation DE application (@600 kg ha⁻¹) showed significant effect when amalgamated with half the package of practice.