Growth and Yield Response of Inbred Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to Different Levels of Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) contains nutrients that can influence plant growth and productivity. This study evaluated the growth and yield response of inbred rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to different levels of MSG. A factorial experiment was conducted using a split-plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The main plots consisted of three inbred rice varieties, while the subplots contained three MSG levels and a control. Parameters observed included plant height (20, 40, 60, and 80 DAT), tiller count (20, 40, and 60 DAT), leaf area index (LAI), number of days to heading and flowering, number of productive tillers, panicle length, number of filled and unfilled grains, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield (t/ha). Data were analyzed using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 0.05 significance level. Results revealed no interaction effect between varieties and MSG levels on most growth traits, but a significant interaction occurred in yield parameters, particularly on NSIC Rc 216 at 5.0 g MSG L⁻¹ of water. Factor A (variety) significantly affected plant height, panicle length, number of unfilled spikelet’s, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield, while Factor B (MSG level) influenced plant height, tiller count, LAI, and productive tillers. Cost and return analysis showed NSIC Rc 222 had the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio. The application of 7.5 g MSG L⁻¹ of water increased yield profitability but had limited improvement in cost efficiency