# Effects of Bt Rice Straw Extract on Seed Germination and Plant Growth of Pakchoi: Novel Variables of Cropping System

## TL;DR

This study examines how Bt rice straw affects pakchoi growth and finds that effects vary with concentration and Bt rice type.

## Contribution

The study introduces novel insights into the ecological risks of Bt rice straw for winter vegetable crops.

## Key findings

- Bt rice straw extracts at different concentrations showed varied effects on pakchoi seed germination and plant growth.
- Homozygous and heterozygous Bt rice extracts influenced enzyme activities and dry weight differently.
- Optimizing straw return concentrations is crucial to mitigate potential ecological risks.

## Abstract

The incorporation of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rice straw into fields may influence the growth of subsequent crops, but its ecological risks for winter vegetables remain largely unreported. Investigating the effects of Bt rice straw extracts on the seed germination and plant growth of pakchoi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis Makino var. communis Tsen et Lee) can provide a theoretical foundation for ecological risk assessments. In this study, straw extracts from non-Bt rice (Tianyouhuazhan), homozygous Bt rice (T775), and heterozygous Bt rice (F1 of T775 hybrid) were used as experimental materials at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 g·L−1. Results showed that, compared to non-Bt extract, 40 g·L−1 homozygous Bt extract increased seedling height and leaf peroxidase (POD) activity but inhibited catalase (CAT) and root superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. The 20 g·L−1 extract boosted root CAT activity yet suppressed leaf CAT and POD activities. The 10 g·L−1 extract enhanced root length but reduced leaf CAT and POD activities. The 40 g·L−1 heterozygous Bt extract increased leaf and root POD activity but inhibited germination rate and leaf SOD activity. The 10 g·L−1 extract promoted root length and seedling POD activity but suppressed leaf POD activity. In plant growth assessments, the 10 g·L−1 homozygous Bt extract reduced underground dry weight, and the 10 g·L−1 heterozygous Bt extract inhibited both above and underground dry weight, while the 20 g·L−1 heterozygous Bt extract increased aboveground dry weight. In conclusion, the effects of homozygous and heterozygous Bt rice straw extracts on pakchoi varied with concentration and physiological indices, showing no clear pattern. Optimizing straw return concentrations based on Bt rice variety differences is essential to mitigate ecological risks.