Silicon fertilization modulates 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline content, yield formation and grain quality of aromatic rice

- Si regulated the proline, N, and Si contents and PRODH activities in aromatic rice.
- Rice aroma compound (2-AP) is enhanced in the grain of Si-treated rice plants.
- Si improved net photosynthesis, yield and biomass accumulation in rice.
- Si affected rice grain qualities and have significant relations with grain 2-AP contents.

Present study aimed to assess silicon (Si) mediated yield, grain quality and regulations in 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline accumulation (2-AP) in aromatic rice. Four different levels of Si at 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg kg−1 were applied to two aromatic rice cultivars i.e., Nongxiang 18 and Meixiangzhan 2, while pots without Si were served as control (CK). Results revealed that Si fertilization improved 2-AP, Si and proline contents in leaves and grains as well as activities of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and net photosynthetic rates (Pn) (in leaves) while interfered with total N contents in leaves and grains. Moreover, leaves N and proline contents, and net photosynthetic rates (Pn) were decreased with plant age i.e., tillering > flowering > maturity while PRODH activities and Si contents were highest at flowering and maturity stages, respectively and minimum at tillering stage. Furthermore, growth, yield and quality components were also improved by Si application but results were not consistent regarding grain quality for both rice cultivars. Further, Si contents in leaves have significant positive relations (r = 0.3974, P < 0.05) with grain 2-AP contents at flowering stage. Hence, Si proved better for both rice cultivars whereas 2-AP contents were higher for Meixiangzhan 2 than Nongxiang 18.