Books

http://books.irri.org rice yield loss. Farmers control weeds by using herbicides or by manual weeding. But, manual weeding is becoming less common because, during critical times, no labor is available; added to this is the high cost of labor. Herbicides are replacing manual weeding because they are easy to use; however, the sole use of herbicides poses some concerns such as evolution of resistance in weeds, shifts in weed populations, and some negative effects on the environment. This 20-page publication responds to the need to integrate different weed management strategies for effective and sustainable weed control in direct-seeded rice systems. This book describes different strategies, which include preventive and cultural approaches, in order to manage weeds in these systems. This will be important material for researchers and extension specialists to develop integrated weed management programs for directseeded rice systems. n

Weed management in direct-seeded rice systems

By Bhagirath Singh Chauhan ice, an important crop in Asia, is mainly grown by manual transplanting of seedlings under wet conditions. Recently, farmers in this region have been shifting to direct-seeded rice systems because of high labor costs and less availability of water. Moreover, laborers have been continually migrating from rural areas to cities. Mainly, two kinds of direct-seeded systems are practiced in Asia: dry- and wet-seeded rice. Although direct-seeded rice systems have several advantages, weeds are major constraints in these systems. Since rice and weed seedlings emerge simultaneously, rice has no seedling size advantage. Moreover, in direct-seeded systems, no standing water exists to suppress the emergence and growth of weeds. Weeds in direct-seeded systems can cause a substantial

Patterns of varietal adoption and economics of rice production in Asia

Edited by H. Wang, S. Pandey, O. Velarde, and B. Hardy ice research remains an important global undertaking to ensure an adequate food supply for sustainable food security of the poor. Improved technologies for high rice productivity are critical to attain food security and reduce poverty in the face of increasing competition for land, labor, and water as well as the challenges posed by global warming. Millions of poor small farmers grow rice in Asia and Africa under diverse unfavorable conditions such as areas affected by drought, submergence, salinity, problem soils, insects, diseases, and other pests. Unfortunately, farmers often have to contend with various adverse factors simultaneously. With the support of its donors, IRRI, in partnership with national programs, leads in the development of suitable rice technologies for these diverse conditions by using modern scientific approaches and tools. IRRI continues to focus its work to develop improved rice germplasm that is high-yielding and tolerant of abiotic and biotic stresses. And, with the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP), the Institute directs its efforts likewise to improve crop management, reduce postharvest losses, and improve the nutrient content of rice grains.
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IRRI, in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), is implementing a major project to develop Green Super Rice (or GSR) for Asia and Africa. These rice varieties are expected to be both high-yielding and environment-friendly as they incorporate several traits for pest and disease resistance. Improved varieties resulting from these efforts, however, will not have their desired impact unless farmers ultimately adopt these varieties. Hence, it is important to understand the social and economic contexts of rice production in these countries to attain efficient results. Thus, this 130-page book provides socioeconomic contexts for rice production in key countries in Asia such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Pakistan where the GSR project is taking place. This book is based on a detailed analysis of farm-level data such as farmers resource endowments, their livelihood strategies, rice production practices, technology adoption patterns, and household income structures, among others. Information in this book will provide important insights for underpinning technology development and dissemination and will also serve as a benchmark for future impact assessments. n To purchase printed copies of these and other books, contact riceworldbookstore@irri.org.

Rice Today January-March 2013