Genetic

Rice varieties of different genetic makeup do not damage the plantWhat it does

Rice varieties of different genetic makeup do not damage the plant. Despite the normal plant growth, there are apparent abnormalities in features.

Why and where it occurs

Different-looking rice plants in the field could be volunteer rice or rice seeds that emerged from previous season's harvest, weedy rice, or plants used by breeders to distinguish breeding materials in the field.

How to identify

Plants show normal growth, but there are apparent abnormalities in color, size, maturation date, or plant part.

To confirm cause of abnormality, check if plant growth is normal and yields are unaffected; also check with plant breeder whether variety is a known genetic variant.

How to manage

If for some reason, seed stocks become mixed, then the material can simply be sorted and selected in the field to prevent seed source mixing.