The tillering stage refers to the period of 7-10 days after rice transplantation, during which rice seedlings turn from yellow to green. During this time, the temperature gradually rises, and rice plants begin to tiller slowly, making it an important period for management. So, how long does the tillering stage of rice last? Let's find out.
Duration of Rice Tillering Stage
The duration of the tillering stage of rice typically lasts for 5-7 days under normal circumstances. However, this may vary depending on local climate, transplanting practices, and management conditions. Additionally, factors such as poor seedling quality, deep planting, and hot and dry weather can delay or even prevent tillering in rice plants.
Signs of Rice Tillering
How do you determine if rice has entered the tillering stage? There are several indicators:
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Water droplets appear at the tips of rice leaves in the morning and evening.
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Rice seedlings transplanted in sunny weather do not exhibit leaf rolling at noon.
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When rice plants are pulled out, new roots have emerged from the seedlings.
Management Practices during the Tillering Stage
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Application of Tillering Fertilizer: Immediately after rice tillering, apply tillering fertilizer early and in appropriate amounts. It is generally recommended to apply 7.5-10 kilograms of ammonium sulfate or 4-5 kilograms of urea per mu for better fields, and 10-12.5 kilograms of ammonium sulfate or 5-6 kilograms of urea per mu for lean fields.
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Water Management: As soon as rice tillering begins, reduce the water level to 3-5 centimeters. This promotes early and vigorous root development and tillering.
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Weed Control: The tillering stage to the panicle initiation stage is the period when weeds pose the greatest threat to rice fields. Herbicides such as bensulfuron-methyl, butachlor, pretilachlor, and penoxsulam can be used, or fluorochloridone or fluorochloridone + bensulfuron-methyl can be used 10-20 days after transplanting when rice seedlings are well-established.
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Pest and Disease Management: The main diseases during the tillering stage are sheath blight and the main pests are rice planthoppers. Recommended fungicides include azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, penthiopyrad, and tricyclazole, while recommended insecticides include imidacloprid, buprofezin, fipronil, pymetrozine, and flubendiamide.
In summary, proper management during the tillering stage of rice is crucial. Focus should be on fertilization, water management, and the prevention and control of weeds, pests, and diseases. Successfully navigating the tillering stage not only enhances the disease resistance of rice seedlings but also improves their survival rate.
Now, let's delve into some frequently asked questions about the tillering stage of rice:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: How can I identify if rice has entered the tillering stage?
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A: Signs of rice entering the tillering stage include the presence of water droplets at the tips of leaves in the morning and evening, absence of leaf rolling in sunny weather at noon, and emergence of new roots from seedlings when pulled out.
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Q: What factors affect the duration of the tillering stage?
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A: The duration of the tillering stage can be influenced by factors such as local climate, transplanting practices, seedling quality, planting depth, and weather conditions.
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Q: How should I manage fertilization during the tillering stage?
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A: It is important to apply tillering fertilizer early and in appropriate amounts to promote vigorous root development and tillering. Recommended fertilizers include ammonium sulfate or urea, with specific application rates based on soil fertility.
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Q: What are the common pests and diseases during the tillering stage?
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A: Common pests during the tillering stage include rice planthoppers, while common diseases include sheath blight. Proper pest and disease management practices are essential to prevent yield losses.
