Variety, Planting Time, and Fungicide Management Effects On Rice Grain Yield.

Variety, Planting Time, and Fungicide Management Effects on Rice Ratoon Crop Yield Abstract Rice ratooning, the ability of the rice plant to regenerate new panicle-bearing tillers after harvest, could be a practical way to increase rice production per unit area and per unit time. As is the case for the main crop, commonly used management practices can affect ratoon crop (RC) yield. However, critical information is lacking for optimal ratoon management. The objectives of this study were to evaluate variety [three inbreds (Bowman, Cocodrie, Presidio) and three hybrids (Clearfield XL729, Clearfield XL745, and XL723)], planting date (early and normal), and fungicide carryover effects on rice ratoon crop production in a sandy loam soil and a clay soil at Eagle Lake and Beaumont, Texas, U.S.A., respectively. In general, hybrids had greater RC yield than inbreds. Even for inbreds, RC yield was still affected by variety selection. Compared to Beaumont, Eagle Lake usually had greater RC yield. Early planting had greater RC yield than normal planting, especially for inbreds. Fungicide had a positive carryover effect on RC yield. Results from this study indicate that rice ratoon crop yield could be improved through combined management practices including variety selection, early planting date, and fungicide application at MC.