Formation and degradation of ethylene in submerged rice soils

Abstract

Ethylene formation in submerged soils and ethylene degradation by rice roots and soils were investigated. Ethylene was formed in rice soils in amounts which may deleteriously affect the growth of rice seedlings. Ethylene formation was markedly enhanced when organic materials such as glucose or rice straw were added to the soil. The rice roots, especially those taken from lowland and rice fields, showed notable ethylene-degradation activity; the rhizosphere microorganisms of the lowland rice appeared to be responsible for the ethylene-degradation activity. Lowland soils which have been continually submerged for a long time also showed ethylene-degradation activity. Upland soil and soil recently submerged, however, showed little degradation activity. © 1975 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.