EFFECT OF SOURCES AND DOSES OF LITHIUM VIA FOLIAR APPLICATION ON BIOFORTIFICATION, PHYSIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS AND PRODUCTION OF IRRIGATED RICE

DANILO RAMOS; Guillermo Chan; Wanessa de Souza; Dayara Silva; Larissa Rodrigues; Patrícia Fernandes; Paulo Cavazzini; Danyllo Dias; Roberto Antonio Martinez; Damiana Beatriz da Silva; Patrícia Guarda; Emerson Adriano Guarda; Vitor Nascimento; Renato Sarmento; Rodrigo Fidelis

Just Accepted

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EFFECT OF SOURCES AND DOSES OF LITHIUM VIA FOLIAR APPLICATION ON BIOFORTIFICATION, PHYSIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS AND PRODUCTION OF IRRIGATED RICE

DANILO RAMOS , Guillermo Chan, Wanessa de Souza, Dayara Silva, Larissa Rodrigues, Patrícia Fernandes, Paulo Cavazzini, Danyllo Dias, Roberto Antonio Martinez, Damiana Beatriz da Silva, Patrícia Guarda, Emerson Adriano Guarda, Vitor Nascimento, Renato Sarmento, Rodrigo Fidelis

Abstract

Context. Lithium (Li) is an essential trace element for human health. Although the biofortification of rice with Li is a promising strategy to overcome its deficiency, little is known about its biological activity in plants. Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the sources and doses of Li applied via the leaves on the biofortification, physiological components, and production of irrigated rice. Methods. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks in a 5 × 3 factorial arrangement, with four replicates. The factors consisted of five doses of Li (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/ha) and three sources (lithium sulfate - Li2SO4·H2O P.A., lithium hydroxide - LiOH·H2O P.A. and lithium chloride – LiCl P.A.). Key results. Regardless of the source used, foliar application of Li allowed bioaccumulation in rice grains without influencing the development and grain yield of the crop. Supplying Li to rice plants in the form of Li2SO4·H2O increased the photosynthetic rate and water-use efficiency. Moreover, regardless of the source used, the consumption of rice grains biofortified with Li at a dose of 200 g/ha can supply more than 50% of the minimum recommended daily intake of the element. Conclusions. Foliar spraying is effective for agronomic biofortification of rice with lithium. Implications. This study provides subsides for the strategic choice of sources and doses of Li to be used in biofortification programs, which is relevant for research and can contribute to reducing its deficiency in naturally poor regions.

CP24291 Accepted 24 January 2025