Performance of Five Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties as Influenced by Crop Establishment under Irrigated Lowland Conditions

This study aimed to determine the growth and yield performance of five rice varieties under the different crop establishments and assess rice profitability as influenced by crop establishment under irrigated lowland conditions. The study was laid out in a split-plot arranged in an RCBD with three replications. Crop establishment was designated as the main plot while rice varieties as a subplot. Results revealed that the direct row seeding method significantly showed a significant advantage in agronomic and yield and yield component parameters over the transplanting method among rice varieties tested. Heirloom red rice significantly headed earlier (63.17 days) when planted in both crop establishments and obtained the tallest plant height, greater leaf area index, the heavier weight of 1,000 grains, and grain yield. There was a significant interaction effect on crop establishment and rice variety recorded from sowing to heading and maturity. Cost and return analysis revealed that the direct row seeding method achieved higher gross income (USD 2,012.00) and gross margin (USD 1,086.60) than the transplanting method. Heirloom red rice significantly achieved the highest grain yield (5.85 t ha-1), resulting in a higher gross income and gross margin of USD 2,340.00 and USD 1,352.45, respectively. Direct row seeding is applicable as an effective cost-reducing method of crop establishment for lowland rice production. Besides, it can shorten the time of crop establishment. Heirloom red rice with dual characteristics as an irrigated lowland and upland rice cultivar is feasible for direct row seeding and transplanting methods during the dry season.