On 27 May 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) hosted a meeting of the Evaluation Committee for the VNUHCM-level research project: ‘Study of the effects of plant growth regulators on the development of rice grains (Oryza sativa L.)’, chaired by Associate Professor Trần Thanh Hương.

The research focused on investigating the developmental process of OM5451 seed rice and evaluating the impact of plant growth regulators on both maturation time and grain weight under cultivation conditions in the Mekong Delta. This research direction holds significant relevance against the backdrop of agricultural production facing increasingly pronounced impacts from climate change, particularly for rice – one of the strategic crops of Ë®¹ûÅÉAV½â˵.

The findings demonstrate that rice grain development is a complex physiological process, closely linked to changes in photosynthesis, respiration, chlorophyll content, and the activity of plant hormones through each growth stage. The research team identified significant variations in auxin, gibberellin, zeatin, and abscisic acid (ABA) during grain developmental stages, thereby contributing to clarifying the role of growth regulators in the physiological ripening process of rice grains.

The findings also indicate that application of plant growth regulators at appropriate times can shorten the maturation period of rice grains. Specifically, treating rice with GA3 at a concentration of 50 mg/L during the booting stage allows grains to mature 9.1 days earlier than the control group, whilst contributing to an increase in grain weight. Furthermore, application of Ethephon during the hard dough stage reduces maturation time by approximately 6.2 days without altering grain weight. These results open up prospects for applying plant growth regulators to optimise seasonal timing, enhance production efficiency, and adapt to changing climatic conditions.

In the course of implementation, the project published two international scientific papers indexed in Scopus. Additionally, the project contributed to training one doctoral student whose research focuses on the development of rice flowers and fruit to shorten the maturation stage.

The Committee assessed that the project possesses an appropriate research scope, feasible methodology, reliable results, and practical application value. The project has fulfilled all set objectives, determined appropriate treatment methods, and was unanimously passed with a high evaluation rating.