Is Yuan Longping's rice a genetically modified variety?
Our country is a major grain-producing country, and this would not be possible without Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice in China. At present, Yuan Longping's rice has been extended to the whole world. So, is Yuan Longping's rice genetically modified?
1. Is Yuan Longping's rice genetically modified?
No. Genetically modified rice refers to rice varieties developed by introducing insect-resistance genes, disease-resistance genes and so on from different rice varieties or closely related species into the genome of a certain rice plant through genetic modification technology. Yuan Longping's rice, however, is mainly hybrid rice, which refers to crossing rice varieties that differ to some extent genetically while also having excellent traits that complement each other.
2. Cultivation techniques for hybrid rice
1. Land preparation
In production, the land must be finely prepared in strict accordance with the requirements, so that the bed surface is level and free of weeds, drainage and irrigation are smooth, and no water accumulates. A ditch 0.6 m wide and 0.1 m deep should also be dug along a bed width of 4-6 m.
2. Sowing early at the right time
Reasonably arranging the sowing period is a key measure to ensure full stands and safe full heading in direct-seeded rice cultivation.
3. Seed selection
Choosing high-yield, disease-resistant, high-quality good seed can increase yield and economic returns. Doing a good job of seed disinfection and sprouting can reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases.
4. Seed soaking
Generally, after soaking the seeds for 12-18 h, direct sowing without sprouting and moist seedling raising are preferable.
5. Sprouting
During the sprouting process, suitable temperature, appropriate moisture and timely ventilation should be maintained. The most suitable temperature for rice seed germination is 30-35°C; above 45°C it will cause “bud burning”, and sowing can be done once more than 80% of the seeds have broken through their hulls.
6. Thin and even sowing
Direct-seeded cultivation involves sowing seeds directly into the field. The sowing rate is 37.5 kg/hm2 for conventional rice seed and 18.75 kg/hm2 for hybrid rice seed, generally 15%-20% more seed than normal seedling raising. Sowing should be even, and after sowing the sprouts should be buried; a wooden board can be used to press lightly so that the sprouted grains enter the soil, and work to prevent damage by birds and rodents should also be done well.
7. Fertilization techniques
(1) Apply sufficient basal fertilizer. Because direct-seeded cultivation grows directly in the field from the seedling stage onward, applying sufficient basal fertilizer is even more important for obtaining high yields in direct-seeded cultivation.
(2) Apply topdressing in several split applications. Fertilization for direct-seeded rice should follow the principle of “eat small meals more often, topdress frequently, and use a small amount each time”. Apply topdressing in 5 applications: the 1st is seedling-promoting fertilizer; the 2nd is tillering fertilizer; the 3rd is jointing fertilizer; the 4th is ear fertilizer; and the 5th is flowering fertilizer.
(3) Potassium fertilizer application techniques. Apply according to soil characteristics. For soil severely deficient in potassium, applying potassium fertilizer has a notable effect. Potassium fertilizer should be used together with nitrogen and phosphorus. Only on the premise of a reasonable balance of the three elements can increasing potassium fertilizer fully exert its yield-increasing effect.
Because it has not yet been tested whether genetically modified rice is harmful to the human body, it is still better for everyone to choose to grow hybrid rice.