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Bio-control Potential of Silica Nano Particles Derived from Rice Husks
towards Resistance of Rice Blast Disease through Foliar Application
Teo Han Meng
Supervisor: Dr. Ng Lee Chuen
Bachelor of Science Agrotechnology (Crop Science)
School of Food Science and Technology
In past researches, Silica has been proven essential for normal plant growth and
functionality, especially in mitigating biotic and abiotic stress. Plus, nanotechnologies
are currently being experimenting and implementing in agricultural fields, aiming to
increase yield and performances. Till today, there are still insufficient studies about
the mechanisms and effects of nano size silica on plants. Hence, nano size silica,
derived from agro wastes, such as rice husks, will be applied on the foliar part of the
rice plants to test for any bio-control potential towards resistance of rice blast disease,
by Pyricularia oryzae, and on certain growth parameters. Industrial extraction of silica
from minerals causes high environmental pollutions and very costly. Pure and
amorphous silica nano particles (SNPs) can be extracted using Sol-gel and freeze
drying method from rice husk ashes, which is high yielding and significantly
environmental sound. The expected outcomes of this experiment include, pure and
water soluble amorphous SNPs will be produced from rice husk ashes using Sol-gel
method, and rice plants show increased growth and disease resistance with the
increasing concentration application.
1132 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018