Correct option is B
The correct answer is: (B) Silicon
The silicon (Si) content of the rice plant and its susceptibility to blast disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) are inversely related.
This means that higher silicon levels in rice plants lead to lower susceptibility to blast disease. Silicon strengthens the cell walls, making it more difficult for pathogens to penetrate and infect the plant.
Information Booster:
Silicon's Role in Disease Resistance:
Forms a protective layer in plant tissues.
Enhances mechanical strength of the epidermis.
Induces systemic resistance against fungal pathogens.
Blast Disease (Magnaporthe oryzae):
A fungal disease that causes leaf spots, node infection, and panicle blight.
Common in high nitrogen soils with low silicon availability.
Controlled by silicon fertilization, resistant varieties, and fungicides.
Knowledge Booster:
Zinc: Essential for enzyme activation and protein synthesis, Deficiency causes Khaira disease in rice.
Nitrogen: High nitrogen levels increase blast disease susceptibility. Excess nitrogen promotes soft tissue growth, making the plant vulnerable to fungal infection.
Boron: Essential for cell wall formation and pollen viability. Boron deficiency leads to poor grain filling.
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