[Image: Rice]Bronzing, or zinc deficiency, in rice is usually an early season problem affecting rice in the 2-leaf to early tillering stage. It is almost always associated with cold temperatures, cloudy weather, and flooded conditions. When the plant is small, the root system is just getting established and there is very little leaf area containing chlorophyll to process food for the plant. When stress occurs, the plant fails to pick up zinc from the soil. The leaves might show some bronze color, but you will most likely see stretched, weak plants. Plant death may occur unless zinc is applied or the field is drained.
Even when zinc has been applied as a soil fertilizer, bronzing can still occur if weather conditions are right because the plant has a small root system and cannot get the zinc that may be in the soil. The zinc chelate is readily absorbed through the leaves, and results should be seen in just a couple of days.
LSU recommends 0.5 – 1.0 pound of actual zinc applied as a chelate to correct bronzing problems. Use the half-pound rate in mild, or maintenance conditions, and the one-pound rate in severe cases of bronzing.
Caution: If bronzing is diagnosed, do not apply herbicide until zinc chelate has been applied and the rice plant is healthy. Herbicide applications at this time can further injure the plant.
Now for a horticulture hint:
Major azalea pruning should be completed soon after flowering is over in early spring. Remove a small amount of wood annually by thinning out tall spindly canes instead of delaying until more severe pruning is required. Indica-type azaleas generally require more regular pruning than other varieties. Remember to have a reason to prune before beginning.