Nitrogen supply associated with the application of trinexapac-ethyl in upland rice irrigated by sprinkler

Abstract

The lodging of rice plants significantly increases the losses of this crop. Lodging is caused by the inadequate management of water and fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous fertilizers. The use of growth regulators causes a reduction in plant height and consequently lodging, and may reduce harvest losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate nitrogen (N) doses with and without application of plant growth regulator in upland rice irrigated by a sprinkler system. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of four N doses (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha-1) combined with the presence or absence of foliar application of a plant growth regulator. The application of 150 g ha-1 of trinexapac-ethyl at the flower differentiation stage reduced plant height and lodging. In addition, this treatment promoted increased 100-grain mass. The use of N doses in topdressing increased plant heights and grain yield. The plant growth regulator did not interfere with the milling yield of upland rice. Nitrogen fertilization in the topdressing did not interfere with the milling yield of upland rice irrigated by a sprinkler system.