2.4. Growth and yield of rice crop
Harvesting of rice plants was done after 90 d of growth. At the time of harvesting, plant height was measured by meter scale and number of tillers was recorded. The plants were uprooted carefully from soil and different plant parts viz., roots, leaves and panicles were separated. After separating grains and straw, their weights were measured for each plant. Roots were washed thoroughly to remove soil particles and after blotting, their weight was measured. Leaves were washed with ddw to remove adhering dust particles and were used for analysis of various parameters.