Pot and paddy field tests were conducted to study red discoloration of rice var. IR 667 leaves with reference to the leading Korean native variety Jinhung and Paldal, with the following results:
1. Minor elements such as Mn, Fe, B, Al, Ca and Si had no influence on the discoloration, but a supply of various soluble nitrogen compounds completely restricted it. The more prosperous the growth of IR 667 with nitrogen, the more severe the discoloration appears when nitrogen absorption becomes limited.
2. Chlorotic pigments extracted from both IR 667 and Jinhung were compared spectrophotometrically, and found to have different spectral peaks. IR 667 had peak closer to red than Jinhung, indicating the characteristic of the variety. IR 667 was observed to be more sensitive to nitrogen deficiency than Jinhung or the other japonica variety.
3. It was concluded that all the factors limiting nitrogen supply for IR 667 growth, such as low nitrogen application, restriction of root respiration (low temperature, poor drainage, toxic gases or substances in the root zone, etc.) and pest injuries, would result in the appearance of the so-called red discoloration, because of the reduction in nitrogen uptake.
Since, the discoloration of IR 667 is varietal characteristic when grown in Korea, control of it may be beneficial cultural practice in increasing grain yield, although the increased succeptibility to pests and a drop in the rate of maturity due to relatively high nitrogen level in the leaves may result in an unexpected drop in yield. It is anticipated that further exploration conducted from practical point of view will establish the relationships between the extent of red discoloration, nitrogen availability and grain yield in IR 667.
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