Potential of tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) excreta as fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of rice

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the integrated use of chemical fertilizer and potential tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) excreta as fertilizer on the growth, yield and quality of rice.. Methodology: A pot experiment was designed in Completely Randomized Design with four replicates with nine treatments, where Terminalia arjuna leaf litter, tasar silkworm excreta and recommended dose of chemical nitrogen fertilizer at 25%, 50% or 100% alone or in combinations was applied in transplanted rice plants. The observations were recorded for different growth parameters at 30, 60 and 90 days interval, while yield traits were recorded at the time of crop harvest. Results: Leaf litter and tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta Drury) excreta on growth, yield and quality of rice revealed that application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) from tasar silkworm excreta recorded significantly higher plant height, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1 and 1000 grain weight at rice harvest. While, chlorophyll index, grain yield, number of effective tillers per hill, biological and protein yield of rice recorded significantly higher in 75% recommended dose of nitrogen through chemical nitrogen fertilizer + 25% recommended dose of nitrogen from tasar silkworm excreta. Nitrogen and protein content of grain recorded statistically higher in 50% recommended dose of nitrogen through inorganic fertilizer + 50% RDN from tasar silkworm excreta. Grain yield was significantly correlated with nitrogen uptake and protein yield, plant height, effective tillers per hill, 1000 grain weight, straw and biological yield. Interpretation: Integrated use of 75% RDN through chemical nitrogen fertilizer with 25% RDN from tasar silkworm excreta is suitable for higher production that may reduce the external input of chemical nitrogen fertilizers and promote zero waste management.