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Rice: Key Facts

Rice is one of the global staple foods, particularly popular in East and Southeast Asia and Africa. Global production in 2023/2024 has exceeded 520 million metric tons. The varieties of rice differ in color, grain size, and starch and nutrient content, which makes it suitable for a wide range of dishes across cultures.

Rice requires warm, humid environments and is cultivated in different regions, from China and India to Europe and the US. It can be sown directly to “paddies” or transplanted there in the form of seedlings, previously grown in seedbeds. This crop is highly sensitive to water stress and needs proper land preparation, water management, sufficient nutrient application, and attention to the ideal fertilization times.

Height

50 to 180 cm (1.6 to 6 feet)

Yield per acre

700 to 8000 kg per hectare

Pollination

Self-pollinating

Roots

Fibrous root system with fine shallow roots

Irrigation needs

Cultivated in “paddies”—flooded fields; requires 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) water depth, depending on the growth stage. Deepwater rice can grow in 50 to 100 cm (20 to 39 in) water depth.

Geography

The biggest share is grown in Asia (top global producers: China, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia), Japan, and South Asia. Also cultivated in the US, South America, Australia, and some parts of Europe.

Climate

Warm humid climates; preferred temperature is 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89°F)

Season

Year-round, depending on the location and rice type.

Growth cycle duration

85-180 days

Soil

Prefers loamy and silty soil that retains water well; can thrive in different types of soil as long as pH is optimal.

5.5 to 6.5

Common types

Basmati

One of the most common varieties that becomes fluffy when cooked, with separate grains and a pleasant nutty aroma. Widely used in Indian curries, pilafs, and other dishes.

Jasmine

Another variety with a floral and nutty aroma. Jasmine rice is soft when cooked and is slightly stickier than Basmati. Commonly used in Thai cuisine.

Arborio

An Italian rice variety with a high starch content. Due to its creamy texture when cooked, it is usually used in soups, puddings, and risotto.

Sushi rice

A short-grain variety used for sushi and roll sushi due to its sticky texture when cooked. Commonly used in other Japanese dishes like poke.

Calrose rice

A medium-grain variety mostly grown in California. When cooked, it has a slightly sticky and soft texture, which makes it suitable for sushi and salads.

Bomba rice

A Spanish variety of short-grain rice. It easily absorbs the aroma and flavor of other ingredients and is widely used for paella and similar dishes.

Black rice

A variety rich in antioxidants and fiber; with a mild nutty aroma and flavor. Commonly used for bowls, salads, risotto, or as a side dish.

Rice Phenophases and Signs to Look Out For

Germination and seedling

After being in high-moisture conditions and absorbing water for several days, rice seeds begin to establish their root system and sprout. The first shoot is visible above the ground, and the first leaves develop.

Common threats and diseases: Damping-off caused by fungal diseases, such as seedling blight and seed rot.

Signs to watch: Stunted growth, wilting, yellowing

Tillering

Aside from the main shoot, the plant begins to develop tillers and expands the root system with lateral roots, improving stability and nutrient availability.

Common threats and diseases: Bacterial blight, brown spot disease, pest infestation.

Signs to watch: Grayish and rolled up leaves, spots or browning on the leaves, signs of pest infestation.

Stem elongation

Both the main stem and tillers grow taller, internodes become longer, and the plant is getting ready for the reproductive stage.

Common threats and diseases: Bacterial blight, sheath blight, rice blast; pests like stem borers; nutrient deficiencies.

Signs to watch: Weak stems, discoloration, yellowing, or spotting on the leaves.

Panicle initiation

The plant forms panicles — flowering structures that are going to carry rice grains. It repurposes energy and resources to support the panicles more than stems and leaves at this stage.

Common threats and diseases: Bacterial panicle blight, sheath blight, rice blast, panicle rice mites.

Signs to watch: Browning of panicles, discoloration, irregular gray spots; pest damage on the leaves.

Heading

In two to three weeks, panicles become visible, and individual flowers start forming. During this stage, the plant is sensitive to high temperatures and other environmental conditions, and optimal nutrient availability is necessary.

Common threats and diseases: Bacterial panicle blight, sheath blight, rice blast, false smut; stink bugs.

Signs to watch: Discoloration, yellowing, signs of fungal diseases; pest damage.

Flowering

The panicles start flowering, and pollination begins. Rice is primarily self-pollinating, so male parts of flowers pollinate female parts, contributing to the formation of grains. The plants are still sensitive to environmental stresses like excessive rainfall and high temperatures that sterilize pollen.

Common threats and diseases: Bacterial panicle blight, rice blast, false smut; stink bugs.

Signs to watch: Discoloration, yellowing, signs of fungal diseases; poor pollination; pest damage.

Grain development

Rice grains start growing from flowers and start accumulating sugars and starch. During this process, the grains become firmer and heavier, so stems start bending.

Common threats and diseases: Fungal diseases like kernel smut; birds and rodents.

Signs to watch: Discoloration, hollow grains, pest damage.

Maturation and ripening

The grains continue filling with starch and nutrients, changing in texture in color and reaching maturity. Later, the plant begins to fade and turns yellow while the moisture content of the grains decreases.

Common threats and diseases: Bacterial panicle blight, sheath blight, rice blast.

Signs to watch: Leaves yellowing, fungal lesions, shattering of grains.

Harvesting

The grains are fully mature and hardened and are ready for harvesting; the plant dries, reaching the end of its growth cycle

Common threats and diseases: Fungal infections, rodent and bird damage, and adverse weather conditions, such as excessive precipitation.

Signs to watch: Mold, discoloration, signs of decay, dark lesions on grains.

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