Effect of perchlorate stress on the growth and development of rice and its nutrient uptake

Two rice varieties with varied perchlorate-sensitivity were selected to study their response when exposed to perchlorate-contaminated environment. Gannuoxiang is a perchlorate-resistance rice variety while IR65598-112-2 is a perchlorate-sensitive rice variety. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of perchlorate stress on plant growth, development and nutrient uptake. Perchlorate with three concentration levels at 0.2, 2.0 and 4.0 mmol/kg was added to the soil for different treatments at the end of recovering stage after transplanting. In conclusion, perchlorate pollution can decrease the growth and tiller number of the two rice varieties, delay their development, consequently, result in low biomass and low accumulation of nutrient. The phyto-toxicity of perchlorate to rice not only depended on the pollutant concentration and its duration, but also on the specific rice varieties and its organs.