Effects of Ultra High Dilution of Paraquat 30 cH on Growth, Chlorophyll Content and Yield of Rice Crop
Banerjee S, Mondal P, Sukul NC, Singh RK, Chakraborty I, Sukul A (2021)
Abstract
The application of synthetic fertilizers reduces the natural fertility of the soil and contaminates
groundwater. Some photosynthesis inhibitors at ultra-high dilution (UHD) increase photosynthesis,
growth, and yield of crops. A weedicide Paraquat at UHD enhanced the growth and yield of potatoes
in fields. The objective is to see whether the UHD of Paraquat is also effective on rice. This weedicide
was serially diluted with distilled water and manually succussed in 30 steps following the
preparation of homeopathic dilutions called potencies. In this way, the 30th potency of Paraquat
called Paraquat 30 cH was prepared and preserved in 90 % ethanol. Paraquat 30 cH was diluted with
water 1:1000 (v/v) and sprayed on rice plants in a field measuring 0.3125 acres. The control plot of
the same area was situated 300 meters away from the test plot. Three treatments were given at an
interval of 7 days. The treated plot showed increased growth, chlorophyll content, and rice yield
significantly compared to control. The UHD of the weedicide produced precisely the opposite effect
of the crude material on plants. The increased growth and yield of rice by Paraquat 30 cH may be due
to the enhancement of photosynthesis of treated plants. The UHD of Paraquat increased the yield of
rice by 19.35% over the control.
Keywords: Weedicide, potentization, field trial, paddy, increased productivity.