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Preharvest Desiccation of Rice With Paraquat 1
Author(s) -
Eastin E. F.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1978.0011183x001800060041x
Subject(s) - preharvest , paraquat , desiccation , desiccant , biology , oryza sativa , agronomy , horticulture , botany , zoology , chemistry , postharvest , biochemistry , organic chemistry , gene
Studies to determine the suitability of paraquat (1,1′dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium ion) as a preharvest desiccant were conducted on rice ( Oryza sativa L.) cultivars ‘Brazos’ and ‘Labelle’. Under hot, clear weather conditions, paraquat rates of 0.14 kg/ha or above desiccated the leaves within 1 day. Under cool, cloudy conditions 2 to 3 days were required for desiccation. Paraquat applied to rice after the grains were fully developed at rates up to 0.56 kg/ha up to 10 days before harvest (DBH) did not reduce grain yields. Grain moisture, however, was reduced when a minimum of 0.14 kg/ha paraquat was applied at least 4 DBH. Percent whole kernels after milling was not lowered, or lowered only slightly, by application of up to 0.56 kg/ha paraquat up to 10 DBH. These results suggest that paraquat could be a valuable preharvest desiccant for rice if toxic residues are not found in the grain.