Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Citation: Deng J, Liao X, Shi J, Xu Q, Yang X, Wang R, et al. (2026) Tiller-specific formulated fertilizer improves the population tiller quantity and yield of machine-transplanted rice. PLoS One 21(3): e0345537. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345537 Editor: Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, NEPAL Received: December 9, 2025; Accepted: March 7, 2026; Published: March 25, 2026 Copyright: © 2026 Deng et al.