Combined Effects of Vermicompost Tea and Effective Microorganisms on the Tillering of Two Rice Varieties in Kakanitchoé, Southern Benin

Aims: To assess the combined effects of vermicompost tea (VCT) and effective microorganisms (EM) on the tillering of two rice varieties, IR841 and Sahel 108, in order to determine their agronomic value in sustainable rice production systems. Study Design: Split-plot design with two factors (rice varieties and VCT+EM combinations). Place and Duration of Study: SAIN School Farm, Kakanitchoé, during the 2024 cropping season. Methodology: The experiment included two rice varieties (IR841 and Sahel 108) and eight treatments of VCT+EM combinations, each replicated three times. Agronomic parameters measured included plant height, leaf number, tiller number, panicle number, and panicle length. Tillering dynamics were monitored weekly from the second to the seventh week after transplanting. Results: Combined application of VCT and EM significantly improved growth and yield components in both rice varieties (P<0.0001). IR841 achieved the highest plant heights, especially with 10 ml and 15 ml of VCT+EM. Sahel 108 showed superior leaf production and tillering, peaking at 250.93 ± 12.70 leaves and 63.66 ± 2.74 tillers per hill at 20 ml. The highest panicle number (38.60 ± 2.47) was recorded in Sahel 108 at 15 ml, while IR841 had longer panicles. Tillering initiated in the second week after transplanting, peaked in the fifth week, slightly declined, and showed a second peak in the seventh week. Conclusion: The combined use of VCT and EM enhances rice growth and tillering, with varietal differences in response patterns. These biostimulants hold promise for sustainable rice production, and further research should optimize formulations according to variety type.