UC Rice Blog

In general, rice diseases are not a big problem in California. However, in some fields, disease pressure can be high and can result in yield losses. One disease that can be found in practically every rice field is stem rot.

This season may be a late-planted one due to the potential for a wet and cool spring. Our research has shown that delayed planting reduces yield potential (yields tend to be about 5 sacks/acre less when planted at end of May compared to beginning of May).

Last year roughly half of the rice acreage was left fallow. We have been conducting research (funded by the Rice Research Board) looking at the differences between rice grown after a fallow versus rice grown following rice. We have found that rice following a fallow has higher yield potential.

As I write in late March, no one is out in the fields yet. It is too wet. This suggests that planting will be later than normal. On a positive note, I did see that NOAA has forecast a drier than normal April. Anyways, with this I would like to suggest some thoughts for planning.

There are many organizations and programs that provide free funding assistance for growers, which can get overwhelming with where to look and who to talk to. In an effort to assist growers with these questions a list of grants has been made to compile those that are currently available.