Why Do Rice Leaves Turn Red? Latest Analysis of the Causes

Rice can suffer from various diseases at every stage of growth, and the most direct symptom of disease is shown through the leaves; direct changes in the leaves represent the corresponding disease condition. Some growers have found that during the booting and stem elongation period, rice leaves begin to turn red. So what is the cause? Is it infection by some pathogen, or is it a physiological disease? Here are the specific details. Next, we will introduce them in detail.

I. Causes

In fact, red leaves are not caused by just one reason; there are many causes. Common ones include phytotoxicity, low-temperature conditions, and nutrient deficiency; it may also be due to rice narrow brown leaf spot or bacterial leaf blight, or it may be red blight caused by potassium deficiency. In summary, the causes of reddening include environmental factors, human factors, element deficiencies, and pathogen infection. So the cause is complex and needs careful identification.

II. Improvement Methods

1. Temperature Regulation

The main point regarding temperature is to avoid low temperatures during the jointing and booting period. Since it is all open-field cultivation, the only option is to delay sowing. Calculate the approximate timing of the growth stages and, based on climate data from past years, let the jointing stage avoid the low-temperature period. This can prevent the problem from occurring.

2. Spraying Methods

Maintain a good growing environment, minimize disease occurrence, and use as few pesticides as possible. If pesticides must be used, they must be applied at the correct concentration, or the number of applications should not be too many. Do not keep using the same pesticide; rotate them. There should be at least three days between two applications; do not spray too frequently. Do not use too high a concentration, as it can easily burn the red leaves.

3. Nutrient Elements

Nutrients must not be lacking throughout the entire growth period. This is exactly the time to shift from using nitrogen fertilizer to phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, as the plant is about to enter reproductive growth. Therefore, it is best to supplement fertilizer, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, in a timely manner. Potassium fertilizer must not be lacking; potassium deficiency mainly tends to cause red leaves.

4. Disease Control

At this time the weather is hot and humid, especially in southern regions, where some pathogens suited to this environment multiply in large numbers, so attention must be paid to disease control. For example, shallow irrigation can reduce humidity between rows. In fact, applying more potassium fertilizer can also improve the plant's disease resistance. When necessary, drainage channels should be dug well, and two drainage ditches can be dug in the middle of the field.

Red leaves in rice are mainly caused by various factors, and sometimes they result from the interaction of multiple factors. When preventing and improving the situation, be sure to identify carefully and find the cause. If you really are unsure, you can also try control measures.