Panicle initiation (PI) is a growth stage representing the start of the reproductive phase in rice development. It is when the panicle begins to form in the base of the tiller and is valuable as it provides a definite marker for crop development. Panicle initiation is defined as when 3 out of 10 main tillers have a panicle 1 to 3 mm long.
Panicle initiation is the second most efficient time to apply nitrogen to a rice crop because the full crop canopy reduces fertiliser volatilisation, and the extensive near-surface root system takes up nitrogen soon after application.
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