What Is Rice Straighthead: Treating Rice With Straighthead Disease
What is rice straighthead disease? This destructive disease affects irrigated rice worldwide. In the United States, straighthead disease of rice has been a significant problem since rice crops were first grown in the early 1900s. Historically, rice straighthead disease is prevalent on old cotton fields where the use of pesticides was implemented. It appears that although arsenic is partly to blame, there are other factors as well, including the presence of excessive plant material that has been plowed under.
Let’s learn more about rice with straighthead disease.
What is Rice Straighthead Disease?
Rice straighthead disease may affect random spots scattered around a field. In this case, it is easy to spot because rice with straighthead disease is much darker green than unaffected rice plants. In some cases, however, straighthead disease of rice may affect entire crops.
The disease is rarely found in clay soil, but is more common in sand or loam. It is easily recognized when healthy rice is ready to be harvested. Straighthead disease was originally thought to be a seedborne disease. However, botanists have determined it is a condition that develops in certain soil conditions.
Rice Straighthead Symptoms
Mature rice with rice straighthead disease stands up straight because the heads are completely empty, unlike healthy rice that droops under the weight of the grain. The hulls may be distorted, taking on a crescent-like shape. This symptom is often known as “parrot head.”
Controlling and Preventing Rice Straighthead Disease
The best way to prevent straighthead disease of rice is to plant less susceptible varieties, as some types are more resistant.
Once a field has been affected, the best recourse is to drain the field and allow it to dry. This is tricky though, and timing depends on weather conditions and soil types. Your local cooperative extension office is the best source of information specific to your area.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
9 Contemporary Small Garden Ideas – Maximize Style With A Modern Design
Some simple conceptual ideas can transform even the tiniest plot from humdrum to dream design. Try these 9 contemporary small garden ideas to modernize your plot
By Amy Grant
-
5 Best Plant Identification Apps – Most Accurate Tools To Help You ID Plants
An ID app is only as good as its database. Some are a bit costly, some have ads or free trial offers, some are citizen-driven. Maybe offer some valuable input of your own.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
What Is Rice Sheath Blight: Treating Sheath Blight Of Rice
Anyone who is growing rice needs to learn the basics about diseases that affect this grain. One particularly destructive disease is called rice sheath blight. What is rice sheath blight? What causes rice sheath blight? Click here to get answers to your questions.
By Teo Spengler
-
Rice Leaf Smut Info – How To Treat Leaf Smut Of Rice Crops
Rice may not be a typical backyard garden plant, but if you live somewhere soggy, it can be a great addition. Diseases can ransack your rice paddy, though, so be aware of signs of infections like leaf smut of rice and what to do to manage or treat it. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
What Is Rice Sheath Rot: How To Recognize Rice Black Sheath Rot Symptoms
Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. So when rice has a disease, it is serious business. Such is the problem with sheath rot of rice. What is rice sheath rot? Click here for diagnostic information and advice on treating rice sheath rot in the garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Rice Bacterial Leaf Blight Control: Treating Rice With Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease
Bacterial leaf blight in rice is a serious disease that, at its peak, can cause losses of up to 75%. In order to effectively control rice with bacterial leaf blight, it is important to understand what it is, its symptoms, and the conditions that foster the disease. This article will help.
By Amy Grant
-
Kernel Smut Of Rice Crops: How To Treat Rice Kernel Smut
Whether growing a field of rice crops or just a few rice plants in the garden, you may at some point come across some kernel smut of rice. What is this and how can you alleviate the problem? Click the following article to learn more.
By Becca Badgett
-
Rice Stem Rot Control – A Guide To Treating Rice Stem Rot Disease
As yield losses continue to rise from stem rot in rice, new studies are being conducted to find effective methods of rice stem rot control and treatment. Click this article to learn what causes rice stem rot, as well as suggestions for treating rice stem rot in the garden.
By Darcy Larum
-
Rice Cercospora Disease – Treating Narrow Brown Leaf Spot Of Rice
Rice can be grown successfully with careful planning and knowledge. However, many issues plague rice plants, leading to reduced yields, and even crop loss. One such disease, narrow brown leaf spot, remains troublesome for many growers. Click here to learn more.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Signs Of Rice Blast Disease: Learn About Rice Blast Treatment
Who doesn’t like rice? It's easy and quick to prepare, it's delicious and nutritious, and it's inexpensive. However, a serious disease known as rice blast has caused devastating crop losses throughout North America and other rice-producing countries. Learn more here.
By Darcy Larum