Effects of Biofertilizer on the Quality and Antioxidant Property of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The effect of biofertilizer in enhancing nutrient quality and antioxidant property of rice grain was investigated. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 7 treatments namely : RF = $N-P_2O_5-K_2O(11-5.5-4.8kg\;10a^{-1});$ half of the recommended fertilizer rate, $HRF=N-P_2O_5-K_2O(5.5-2.75-2.4kg\;10a^{-1}):$ HRF+Bio 250=HRF combined with 250 kg Biofertilizer 10 $a^{-1}$; HRF+Bio 500=HRF combined with 500 kg Biofertilizer 10 $a^{-1};$ Bio 250=250 kg Biofertilizer 10 $a^{-1};$ Bio 500=500 kg Biofertilizer 10 $a^{-1};$ and NF=No Fertilizer. Results showed that HRF+Bio 500 obtained a significantly higher protein content but a significantly lower amylose content compared with RF and NF treatments. Highest phytic acid content was recorded in NF treatment while the lowest was observed in HRF+500 treatment. The highest values in both electron donating ability and reducing power were obtained in HRF+Bio 500 treatment. All treatments obtained higher reducing power than that of the RF treatment and that NF treatment showed comparable values in both electron donating ability and reducing power with those of the treated plots. Highest antimutagenicity property was also observed in HRF+Bio 500 treatment followed by Bio 500 treatment. This study showed the possibility of using biofertilizer to enhance nutritional quality and antioxidant property of rice.