Continuous Rain Causes Rice Lodging in Taitung, Experts Urge Drainage

(Central News Agency reporter Lu Taicheng, Taitung County, 10th) Rice in Taitung has lodged due to continuous rainfall. The Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station reminds farmers that if lodging occurs in fields, they should drain standing water as soon as possible. As unstable weather is likely to continue until mid-June, farmers are urged to take preventive measures for various crops.

Rice in Luye Township, Guanshan Township, and Chishang Township in the Taitung Rift Valley has entered the harvest period, with full ears of grain. However, continuous rain in recent days has caused lodging.

The Ministry of Agriculture's Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station stated in a press release today that, according to the latest data from the Central Weather Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, unstable weather patterns influenced by a stationary front and southwesterly winds will persist until mid-June. Farmers are urged to closely monitor weather forecasts and strengthen drainage and field protection measures to reduce crop losses.

The Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station stated that Taitung's rice is currently in the grain-filling and harvest stages. Before heavy rain, field drainage channels should be cleared to prevent waterlogging. If lodging occurs, drain standing water immediately. If the rice is not yet ready for harvest, it is recommended to tie 2 to 3 plants into a bundle to prevent soaking and reduce damage from pre-harvest sprouting.

Furthermore, rice that has reached the harvest stage should be actively harvested after heavy rain to prevent sprouting. As most rice in the jurisdiction is near the harvest stage, no pesticides should be applied after heavy rain to avoid residue issues.

The Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station also noted that sugar apples (custard apples) are currently in the flowering to small-fruit stage. After rain and sunny weather, the frequency of artificial pollination should be increased, and attention should be paid to anthracnose control. Citrus fruits are in the small to medium fruit stage; after heavy rain, bacterial canker control is essential. Avocados are mostly in the small to medium fruit stage and can be bagged in advance to protect the fruit.

Mangoes are in the large fruit to harvest stage. If they are nearly ripe, they can be harvested early to ensure yield. Other fruit trees that have reached maturity should also be harvested as early as possible, and post-rain disease control should be strengthened. (Editor: Wu Surou) 1150610