Roguing is the removal of off-types or mixtures from a plant population.
When is the best time to rogue?
- Roguing should be done from vegetative to maturity stage to ensure that all possible mixtures are removed before harvesting.
- At vegetative stage, take note of the plant height and the color of the leaf blades and leaf sheaths.
- At reproductive stage, check for the flag leaf angle and the date and degree of panicle exsertion.
- At ripening stage, look for differences in size, shape and color of grains as well as the presence or absence of awns
- Timely removal of off-types is important because it will be very difficult to see them if they are shorter or when the rice plants have lodged.
