Application of 28.1 kDa Alginate Oligosaccharide Improves the Yield and Quality of Grain in Rice

Abstract We conducted a phase‐wise study to evaluate the efficacy of the gamma ray‐produced oligosaccharides of alginate and chitosan in enhancing the yield in rice. Initially, we irradiated the dry powder of alginate and chitosan with 200–500 kGy dose of gamma ray to produce their oligosaccharides. Subsequently, we assessed efficiency of the aqueous solution (50–400 ppm) of these oligosaccharides to stimulate the growth in rice seedling. The elicitors which stimulated the seedling growth were later tested in the field for their ability to enhance the growth and yield in rice under six different treatment regimens. In the next two seasons we evaluated the elicitor and treatment regimen, which enhanced the yield and yield contributing factors, at a larger scale. The observations suggest that 200 ppm of alginate oligosaccharide (28.1 kDa) produced by 500 kGy of gamma ray enhances the yield in rice by 13% and improves the seed quality when sprayed during seedling, pre‐flowering and grain‐filling stages. Such treatment improves the overall growth and development of the plant, which probably enhances the yield and grain quality of the produce.