Thermal indices in relation to crop phenology and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in the south Gujarat region

Abstract

Thermal indices in relation to crop phenology and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in the south Gujarat region. Field experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of 2016 at Research and Instructional Farm of Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. Accumulated growing degree days (GDD) for two different variety under different thermal environment varied considerably from sowing to maturity. Higher GDD, PTUE, HTUE and EDUE was observed under 18 June (D1) in varieties GNR-3 and NAUR-1. Lowest GDD, PTUE and HTUE was observed under 28 June (D2) in both variety. In south Gujarat region, rice is grown mostly under irrigated condition. Late sown rice crop faces high temperature during grain filling and ripening phases which is one of the most important factor which govern the crop phonological development and total biomass production along with efficient conversion of biomass into economic yield.