Management of rice production systems to increase productivity

Gambia prefer bigger seedlings because they are easier to handle and are less
susceptible to submergence where water control is inadequate.
At 21 days after emergence, the seedlings reached 5‐leaf growth stage
(Table 11). They are bigger, taller and easier to transplant than a 3‐day old
seedling. Big tall seedlings are less susceptible to submergence. However, a
21‐days old seedling is more susceptible to transplanting shock. This is
because at the 5‐leaf stage, tillering has already begun, although not visibly.
Table 11. Seedling Growth Parameters as Affected by Seedling Age,
Seedling
Age
3‐Days
7‐Days
14‐Days
21‐Days
Sapu, The Gambia, 2001
Growth Parameter Variety
ITA 306 IET 3137
Leaf count 2.0 2.0
Height (cm) 2.97 2.72
Seedling Dry Wt (g) 0.03 0.03
Leaf count 4.0 3.8
Height (cm) 10.46 8.94
Seedling Dry Wt (g) 0.13 0.06
Leaf count 4.1 4.9
Height (cm) 16.51 15.19
Seedling Dry Wt (g) 0.48 0.31
Leaf count 5.5 5.6
Height (cm) 27.68 25.45
Seedling Dry Wt (g) 0.63 0.52
92