Punjab agricultural university expert Dr G.S. Mangat reiterated the university’s call to farmers for sowing early maturing rice varieties recommended by PAU. He explained that the high yielding variety PR 126 matures in 93 days after transplanting hence takes about 3-4 weeks lesser than the long duration varieties (Pusa 44, PeeliPusa and PR 118).

Due to shorter duration, PR 126 escapes abiotic stresses as well as the incidence of insect pest and diseases thereby leading to lower cost of cultivation. The straw load of this variety is also lower than that of long duration varieties. By growing PR 126 farmers can avail the additional benefit of efficient straw management, thereby, timely sowing of wheat and hence less weed pressure in wheat.

The cultivation of PR 126also offers scope for adoption of multiple cropping systems i.e. taking three crops a year, which is not possible with long duration varieties. By adding third crop in the cropping system, farmers can enhance their farm income. The inclusion of leguminous crops such as summer moong / peas will also help in improving soil health and saving of nitrogen in the next crop in cropping system.

For obtaining higher productivity from PR 126, Dr Mangat recommended late sowing (Nursery sowing in end May to early June and transplanting in end June to early July) and transplanting 25-30 days nursery. The data in Table indicates that in case of PR 126, the transplanting of July 5th was as good as June 25thand better than June 15th. It indicates that the variety PR 126 is more suited under late transplanting conditions.

Effect of transplanting time on yield (q/acre) of PR 126 variety of rice

The data of trials conducted at PAU, Ludhiana also indicated that PR 126 is very sensitive to nursery age and therefore for higher yield, 25-30 days old seedlings should be transplanted. He cautioned that transplanting aged seedlings results in drastic yield reduction.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/