Effect of Different Date of Sowing on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedling Blight Disease under Nursery Conditions

Aims: The main objective of this study was to find appropriate suitable period for raising rice nurseries to summer cultivation for improved seed germination and reduced seedling mortality in nursery under South Gujarat conditions of India. Study Design: Large Plot Technique. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Rice Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Vyara, Gujarat (Zone II, Agro ecological situation V), India during 2020-21. Methodology: Seeds of rice variety GNR-3 was sown in raised bed nursery at 10 days interval from 20 November, 2020 to 9 January, 2021 under open field condition. .Frequently light irrigation gave to maintained soil moisture. Per cent seed germination (%), seedling mortality, root and shoot length (cm) were recorded at 21 days after sowing (DAS) and 35 DAS. Results: the present studied revealed that highest seed germination 62.83 per cent was observed in seeds was sown on 30th November. Whereas minimum seedling mortality 10.03 percent was recorded in seeds sown on 20th November, at 21 days after sowing (DAS).While, maximum seedling mortality, 39.93 per cent was recorded in seed sown on 9th January. Similarly, at 35 DAS, minimum seedling mortality 17.25 per cent was recorded in seeds sown on 20th November. Maximum seedling mortality (43.76%) was observed in seeds sown on 9th January. Maximum root length 11.30 cm was recorded in seeds sown on 9th January. Maximum shoot length 26.6 cm was observed in seeds sown on 30th November. Conclusion: Highest per cent seed germination, minimum seedling mortality and good root and shoot growth were observed in rice nursery sown between 20-30 November.