Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Climatic Requirement

Rice is majorly grown in tropics.It isheat and water loving plant and hence requires high temperature and more water. For germination a minimum of 10oC, flowering 22-25oC, grain formation 20-21oC and ripening 20-25oCis considered an optimum. Low temperature particularly during 10-11 days before heading causes considerable loss in grain yield because of sterility.

Rice is a short day,thermo sensitive but now many thermo insensitive varieties have been developed. It is mostly grown in the areas of 1,000-1,500mm rain fall. Heavy winds results in severe lodging.

Rice is grown in different seasons in India. The temperature is the deciding factor for such adaptability of rice crop. In northern Indian states rice is grown during kharif season while in southern states like Tamil Nadu rice is grown throughout the year like early kharif, kharif, rabi and summer seasons.