Boron Facilitates Rice Growth, Development, and Related Attributes Under Saline Soil Conditions

Salinity is a severe environmental threat causing low productivity in field crops. Rice is a staple crop of the world whose yield and quality is highly affected by the salt content in the root zone. Nutrient management, however, is a key factor that can be used to boost rice production in saline soils. Boron (B), a micronutrient with diverse functions, plays a significant role in rice yield. However, little is known about the effects of B under saline conditions on the yield of rice components. ‘Swarna,’ is a local and salt-sensitive rice variety from Bangladesh. A field experiment was conducted in salt-treated soils to assess the possible functions of B for the improvement of ‘Swarna’ yield. The current study showed that B applications substantially improved the length and weight of panicles, number of tillers and grains, seed weight as well as the yield of grain and straw, indicating its role in rice production in saline environments.