Key Field Management Techniques for Rice During the Jointing and Panicle Development Stage

Rice jointing occurs around the peak tillering stage and continues until rice begins heading, at which point jointing growth stops. This stage is therefore called the jointing and panicle development stage. This stage is extremely important for rice production as it affects rice yield. Below, Qinnong Web brings you the field management techniques for rice during the jointing and panicle development stage.

1. Scientific Irrigation

During the jointing and panicle development stage, rice has an extremely high demand for water, especially during the meiosis stage, so sufficient water must be ensured in the field during this period. However, this period is generally a time of high temperatures, when microorganisms are active and organic matter decomposition accelerates, which rapidly consumes dissolved oxygen in the water and easily leads to the accumulation of toxic substances. Combined with oxygen deficiency, this inhibits rice root growth, so prolonged deep-water irrigation is not suitable. Therefore, during this period, correct irrigation methods should be mastered. In the early jointing stage, water should be properly drained for field drying to control tillering and help with pest and disease prevention. In the later stage, a certain water depth should be maintained to meet growth needs. During other periods, keeping the soil moist or with a shallow layer of water is sufficient.

2. Rational Fertilization

During the jointing and panicle development stage, rice grows rapidly and requires sufficient nutrients to promote smooth growth. Generally, fertilization during this period can be divided into flower-promoting fertilizer and flower-preserving fertilizer. Under normal circumstances, flower-promoting fertilizer is applied one month before heading, while flower-preserving fertilizer is applied half a month before heading. However, this still depends on the growth condition of the rice, and fertilization should not be done blindly. If the rice grows weakly in the early stage with yellowing leaves, an appropriate amount of urea can be applied as flower-promoting fertilizer to increase the number of panicles. If the growth is good with emerald green leaves, there is no need to apply flower-promoting fertilizer, otherwise it may cause excessive vegetative growth, delayed maturity, and lodging. Flower-preserving fertilizer should be applied as long as the field is growing relatively normally, generally using potassium sulfate and urea to meet the growth needs of young panicles.

3. Field Management

During this period, pest and disease control work is essential. The main diseases of rice during the jointing and panicle development stage are rice blast, bacterial leaf blight, stripe leaf blight, rice false smut, etc. These diseases can be controlled by purchasing corresponding pesticides from agricultural supply stores. The main pests include stem borers, planthoppers, etc., which can be sprayed with general-purpose insecticides. In addition to pests and diseases, there are also rodent damage and various weeds. During the jointing and panicle development stage, weeds also grow vigorously, competing for nutrients needed by rice, causing weak rice growth. They also increase field density, which can easily trigger pests and diseases. If rodent damage is found during the jointing and panicle development stage, rodenticide bait should be placed promptly for control, otherwise severe rodent damage can lead to total crop failure.

The above are the field management techniques for rice during the jointing and panicle development stage brought to you by Qinnong Web. We hope this can help you. To learn more about rice, please stay tuned to Qinnong Web.