Impact of biofilm biofertiliser-based bio-organo-mineral fertiliser practice on pest and disease management in rice cultivation in sri lanka

Abstract

In rice cultivation, the use of eco-friendly fertilisers is becoming important to enhance crop productivity by supporting nutrient availability, and effective insect pest and disease management. This study examined the effectiveness of biofilm biofertiliser-based bio organo-mineral fertilisers (BOMF) on insect pest and pathogen management, and in enhancing crop productivity in rice cultivation. Field experiments were conducted in Ampara district using a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The fertiliser practices and control tested were: (a) BOMF practice (500 kg BOMF NPK ha–1 + 2.5 L BFBF ha–1), (b) hybrid practice (225 kg BOMF PK ha–1 + 62.5 kg CF N ha–1 + 2.5 L BFBF ha–1), (c) chemical fertiliser (CF) practice (340 kg CF NPK ha–1, as per the Department of Agriculture recommendations), and (d) control (no fertiliser). The percentages of plants with pest attacks (PP) and diseases (PD) were measured at the 50% flowering stage, using density counting method based on observations from three quadrants per plot. Grain dry yield was measured at harvest. Statistical analyses included One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test following normality confirmation. The control (3.14%), BOMF (1.59%), and hybrid fertiliser (4.82%) practices showed significantly (p < 0.05) reduced PP compared to CF practice (16.86%). The BOMF (19.54%) and hybrid fertiliser (17.04%) practices showed significantly (p < 0.05) reduced PD compared to CF practice (31.29%) and control (32.47%). In addition, the hybrid fertiliser practice achieved significantly (p < 0.05) the highest crop yield (7804 kg ha–1), while BOMF (4470 kg ha–1), CF (4641 kg ha–1), and control (3816 kg ha–1) produced comparable yields. In conclusion, the eco-friendly BOMF-based hybrid fertiliser practice effectively manages insect pests and diseases in rice while enhancing grain yield, demonstrating strong potential for sustainable rice cultivation.