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The potential of silica solubilizing bacteria as biodegrader and plant growth promoter in rice
(Oryza sativa)

1
2
1 Wan Alia Amiera Wan Zaidi, Aziz Ahmad, Lee Chuen Ng *

1 Laboratory of Pest, Disease and Microbial Biotechnology (LAPDiM), Faculty of Fisheries and Food
Science (FFFS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
2 Biological Security and Sustainability Research Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment,
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

* Corresponding author: nglee@umt.edu.my

Abstract:
Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food crop, source of nutrition and income especially for the Asian.
Currently, the rice production along with agricultural residues, mainly straw, is rising significantly. The
production of rice straws as a residue for the harvest of rice crops accounts for 45% of the total amount
of paddy production in Malaysia. Due to the negligible nutrient source, the rice straw typically has less
value and when combusted as a fuel source, it can create environmental pollution. Rice straw burning
can emit hazardous air pollution that has poisonous properties that can have significant effects on human
health. Therefore, this research aimed to isolate and in vitro screen the silicon-solubilizing bacteria
(SSB) for biodegradation, plant growth-promoting and antagonistic properties against Burkholderia
glumae. The selected SSB will also be evaluated for its bio-efficacy in decomposing of rice straw. SSB
were isolated using silicon solubilizing media and the obtained isolates were screened for
biodegradation property (lignin, cellulose), plant growth promoting (IAA, phosphate solubilizing,
siderophore production) and antagonistic activity against B. glumae. The most potential SSB will be
selected and identified before being used in decomposing rice straw. The bio-efficacy of the selected
SSB in decomposing will be determined based on the microbiological, physico-chemical and the
maturity quality of the compost. Application of SSB with biodegradation, plant growth-promoting and
antagonistic properties encourage a sustainable rice production system through recycling the nutrients
especially silicon availability and uptake to the rice plants. This approach also provides an alternative
in rice straw management by reducing burning that causes air pollution.

Keywords: Rice straw, Decomposing, Silicon-solubilizing bacteria, Compost, Silicon