Khao Dawk Mali 105 Yield Improvement through Agronomic Practices

Abstract

The superior grain charcteristics and eating quality of Kho Dawk Mali 105 (KDML 105) make it the most popular rice variety grown in Thailamd An average annually increased in areas planted to the variety in the past 7 years was about 5.7%. In 1995/96 cropped year, KDML 105 occupied about 14.621 million rais or 25.8% of main sesom rice growing area. Average yield of KDML 105 is relatively low of about 300 kg per rai which need to be improved. The unique grain characteristics of KDML 105 are likely to be the most important traits needed to be maintained while efforts are made to improve its average yield. Agronomic practices such as optimum planting date, increased initial plant density, crop establishment methods, water management, and better NDML 105 are likely to be the most important thraits nedded to be,aomtaomed wite efforts are made to improve its average yeild. Agronomic practices such as optimum planting date, increased intial lant density. crop estabilishment methods, water management, and better N management strategies that are specific to yield improvement and quality of KDML 105 are discussed.