Effectiveness of Rice Husk Liquid Smoke and Ameliorants in Controlling Bacterial Leaf Blight in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Wet rice farming is a crucial sector for global food security; however, it is frequently affected by bacterial leaf blight, a disease that can reduce yields by as much as 50%. Traditional chemical-based control methods pose environmental risks, highlighting the need for eco-friendly alternatives such as husk liquid smoke and soil ameliorants. This study aims to optimize the combination of liquid chaff smoke, agricultural lime, and organic materials to combat bacterial leaf blight and enhance rice productivity. The research was conducted in rain-fed paddy fields in Kotabaru Village, Lahat District, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra Province. The experimental design employed a Split Plot arrangement with 12 treatment combinations and three replications. The main plots included a control group, soaking seeds in liquid smoke, watering the base of the stem and roots with liquid smoke, and spraying liquid smoke on the stems and leaves. The subplots incorporated agricultural lime, organic matter, and a combination. The observed variables included disease severity, incidence, growth, and productivity. The low disease severity and incidence demonstrated plant resistance to bacterial leaf blight. This resistance was observed in the combination of liquid smoke treatments applied to the stems and leaves, along with agricultural lime and organic materials. This resulted in increased resistance of 47.63% and 20.01%, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest productivity was achieved by applying liquid smoke at the base of the stem and roots, combined with agricultural lime and organic matter, yielding 8.69 tons per hectare, representing a productivity increase of 10.01%.