Results of experimental planting of pure rice variety DT34

(Baonghean) - Recently, the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center has cooperated with Dien Ban Group Joint Stock Company to build a model of "Demonstrating pure rice variety DT34 spring crop 2013" in Nghe An.

The objective of the model is to evaluate the growth, development and adaptability to soil, climate and pest conditions of the pure DT34 rice variety in Nghe An. At the same time, stabilize productivity and improve product quality. From there, it is possible to replace other pure rice varieties that are currently degenerating and put into the production structure of the province.

The model was built at 5 locations including Nghi Dong commune (Nghi Loc), Hung Tan (Hung Nguyen), Xuan Lam (Nam Dan), Thanh Linh (Thanh Chuong) and Thinh Son (Do Luong), with an implementation scale of 1 hectare/location. Before building the model, the Agricultural Extension Center coordinated with localities to select areas and select participating farmers. Technical staff guided farmers on technical measures in the fields according to technical procedures, regularly monitored, recorded data and evaluated the results of the model. After 4 months of implementation, the model achieved the following results:

+ Regarding growth and development: At the locations, it shows that the pure rice variety DT34 has the ability to adapt well to local soil and climate conditions, and has high stability in growth and development:

- The variety has a stable growing period in the spring crop of 2013, ranging from 118 - 121 days.

- The rice plant grows and develops well, takes root and turns green very quickly, tillers early, tillers in a concentrated manner and the tillering ability reaches a fairly average level, at points ranging from 284.2 - 297 effective tillers/m2. The average plant height is about 110 - 115 cm.

- The leaves are green and durable, the flag leaves are strong, the stem and leaves are compact, and the leaves are still bright green when fully ripe. The variety has the characteristics of being strong and resistant to lodging. Especially when the rice plant is near harvest, it can encounter heavy rain and strong winds without falling over. Meanwhile, other varieties fall over a lot.

- DT34 rice variety has high uniformity. The rice flowers bloom evenly, in clusters, and freely. The flowers are large, long, and the grains are light brown.

+ Regarding the situation of pests and diseases: Through monitoring in the fields at the points, it was shown that the DT34 rice variety was only slightly infected with some pests such as blast, brown planthopper, and planthopper in the pre- and post-flowering stages, so some farmers sprayed for prevention, but most did not have to use pesticides. The DT34 rice variety was evaluated by farmers participating in the model at the points as a variety with few pests and diseases.

+ Regarding productivity: The average productivity at the sites reached 3.2 quintals/sao. Through evaluating the productivity at the sites, it shows that the level of fluctuation is not much, the stability is high. At Xuan Lam site (Nam Dan), the highest average productivity is 3.52 quintals/sao, and at Nghi Dong site (Nghi Loc), although planting on poor soil, the productivity still reaches 2.86 quintals/sao.

+ Regarding economic efficiency: The DT34 pure rice model has an investment cost of 25.6 million VND/ha. The total revenue of the model reaches 44.3 million VND/ha and the net profit reaches more than 18.6 million VND/ha.

Comparing between points, DT34 rice variety has potential yield, is less susceptible to pests and diseases and ensures economic efficiency; it is recommended that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Agriculture of the districts in the area include pure DT34 rice variety in the production structure of the province.

Nguyen Sy Vinh (Agricultural Extension Center)