The Impact of Drought Stress on Brown Rice Genotypes

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 92 views

Introduction

Brown rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most widely consumed staple foods globally, with Indonesia being one of the largest producers. However, the cultivation of brown rice is often threatened by drought stress, which is one of the abiotic factors that can significantly impact plant growth and productivity. Drought stress can lead to a reduction in crop yields, affecting food security and the livelihoods of farmers. In this context, understanding the tolerance of various brown rice genotypes to drought stress is crucial for developing more efficient and adaptive rice cultivation strategies.

The Impact of Drought Stress on Brown Rice Genotypes

Drought stress is a complex phenomenon that can affect plant growth and productivity in various ways. When plants experience drought, they respond by accumulating proline amino acids as a form of adaptation. Proline is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in plant stress tolerance, and its accumulation can help plants to survive under drought conditions. Therefore, it is essential to understand how different brown rice genotypes respond to drought stress, particularly in terms of growth and proline content in the vegetative phase.

Methodology

This study was conducted in the Glasshouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, from July to October 2018. The design used was a random group design (RAK) with two treatment factors. The first factor was genotype, which consisted of five brown rice genotypes, and the second factor was the frequency of watering with four levels of treatment, each repeated five times. This approach allowed researchers to identify differences in the growth and accumulation of proline between genotypes in drought conditions.

Results

The results of this study indicate that each brown rice genotype has a unique response to drought stress, with varying levels of proline growth and content. Treatment of drought stress was proven to have a significant effect on the growth and levels of proline produced by plants. However, the interaction between genotype and drought treatment did not show significant effects. Of the five genotypes tested, Inpago 7 varieties were expressed as the most tolerant genotype of drought stress, showing the best growth in several observation parameters. On the other hand, the B1186G-MR-3-18-1 brown rice rice line also showed good resistance to drought, making it a potential choice for farmers in dealing with uncertain climate conditions.

Discussion

The selection of precise genotypes is crucial for increasing yields in drought conditions. Further efforts are needed to understand the mechanism that underlies tolerance to drought stress, including the physiological and biochemical adjustments of plants. The results of this study provide valuable insights for the development of more efficient and adaptive rice cultivation strategies, as well as reducing the risk of loss due to drought stress.

Conclusion

Through this study, it is expected that rice varieties can be found that are not only productive but also have high adaptability to climate change, thus supporting food security in the future. This finding also has the potential to contribute to the development of superior varieties that can survive in drought conditions, in line with global needs to face the challenges of climate change and the fulfillment of food needs that are increasing.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research: Further research is needed to understand the mechanism that underlies tolerance to drought stress, including the physiological and biochemical adjustments of plants.
Development of drought-tolerant varieties: The development of drought-tolerant varieties is crucial for increasing yields in drought conditions.
Selection of precise genotypes: The selection of precise genotypes is essential for increasing yields in drought conditions.
Adoption of drought-tolerant varieties: The adoption of drought-tolerant varieties by farmers is crucial for reducing the risk of loss due to drought stress.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to five brown rice genotypes.
Limited experimental design: The experimental design used in this study was limited to a random group design (RAK) with two treatment factors.
Limited scope: The scope of this study was limited to the impact of drought stress on brown rice genotypes in the vegetative phase.

Future Directions

Based on the findings of this study, the following future directions are recommended:

Further research: Further research is needed to understand the mechanism that underlies tolerance to drought stress, including the physiological and biochemical adjustments of plants.
Development of drought-tolerant varieties: The development of drought-tolerant varieties is crucial for increasing yields in drought conditions.
Selection of precise genotypes: The selection of precise genotypes is essential for increasing yields in drought conditions.
Adoption of drought-tolerant varieties: The adoption of drought-tolerant varieties by farmers is crucial for reducing the risk of loss due to drought stress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Drought Stress on Brown Rice Genotypes =============================================================================================

Q: What is drought stress and how does it affect brown rice genotypes?

A: Drought stress is a condition where plants experience water scarcity, leading to a reduction in growth and productivity. In the case of brown rice genotypes, drought stress can lead to a decrease in yield and quality.

Q: How do brown rice genotypes respond to drought stress?

A: Brown rice genotypes respond to drought stress by accumulating proline amino acids, which help to protect the plant from damage. However, the level of proline accumulation can vary between genotypes, with some being more tolerant of drought stress than others.

Q: What are the key factors that affect the growth and proline content of brown rice genotypes under drought stress?

A: The key factors that affect the growth and proline content of brown rice genotypes under drought stress include the genotype itself, the frequency of watering, and the duration of drought stress.

Q: Which brown rice genotype is most tolerant of drought stress?

A: According to the study, the Inpago 7 variety is the most tolerant of drought stress, showing the best growth in several observation parameters.

Q: What are the implications of this study for rice cultivation?

A: The study provides valuable insights for the development of more efficient and adaptive rice cultivation strategies, as well as reducing the risk of loss due to drought stress. It also highlights the importance of selecting precise genotypes for increasing yields in drought conditions.

Q: How can farmers reduce the risk of loss due to drought stress?

A: Farmers can reduce the risk of loss due to drought stress by adopting drought-tolerant varieties, using conservation agriculture practices, and implementing irrigation management systems.

Q: What are the future directions for research on drought stress in brown rice genotypes?

A: Future research directions include further understanding the mechanism that underlies tolerance to drought stress, developing drought-tolerant varieties, and selecting precise genotypes for increasing yields in drought conditions.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of superior rice varieties?

A: This study can contribute to the development of superior rice varieties by providing valuable insights for the development of more efficient and adaptive rice cultivation strategies, as well as reducing the risk of loss due to drought stress.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study in the context of sustainable agriculture?

A: The study has potential applications in the context of sustainable agriculture, including the development of drought-tolerant varieties, conservation agriculture practices, and irrigation management systems.

Q: How can this study benefit the food security of the future?

A: This study can benefit the food security of the future by providing valuable insights for the development of more efficient and adaptive rice cultivation strategies, as well as reducing the risk of loss due to drought stress.