Pyroligneous Acid (Wood Vinegar) as a Sustainable Biostimulant for Early Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Controlled Conditions

Rice is a vital component in the diet of many countries, but in Cuba, its production is limited by the scarcity of agricultural inputs. This study evaluated the biostimulant effect of pyroligneous acid on the early growth stages of Oryza sativa L. under controlled conditions, using certified seeds (viability ≥ 85%) of the INCA LP-5, INCA LP-7, and Selección 1 varieties. Plant height, radicle length, and leaf number were measured in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (Factor A: varieties; Factor B: morphological variables) and 10 replications. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and cluster analysis (InfoStat 2020), revealing significant differences among treatments, with the INCA LP-5 variety exhibiting the greatest stimulation in plant height and radicle length. Positive correlations between variables confirmed the efficacy of pyroligneous acid as a biostimulant, suggesting its potential to improve initial rice growth under resource-limited conditions.