NPK CON CÒ 14-7-21+9S+1,4Ca: THE KEY TO PANICLE INITIATION IN THE WINTER–SPRING CROP

Baconco introduces to farmers a specialized nutritional solution that promotes larger panicles, reduces unfilled grains, and enhances rice quality during the panicle initiation stage of the Winter–Spring crop.

The Winter–Spring rice crop is always considered the most important production season of the year. However, cool weather, heavy dew, and high pest and disease pressure make the panicle initiation stage of the Winter–Spring crop particularly sensitive. Applying fertilizer at the right time with the right formula is the decisive factor for panicle size, grain filling rate, and final yield.

Among available solutions, NPK CON CÒ 14-7-21+9S+1,4Ca is regarded as a specialized nutritional formula that helps rice plants remain strong during the panicle initiation stage - an important stepping stone toward a high-yielding season.

Why is the panicle initiation stage in the Winter–Spring crop so important?

The panicle initiation stage is when the rice plant determines the number of grains per panicle. If not properly managed, the crop may experience:

• Nutrient deficiency, resulting in small panicles
• Non-uniform heading
• Increased unfilled grain rate
• High susceptibility to leaf blast and neck blast

Therefore, selecting the right fertilizer for the panicle initiation stage of the Winter–Spring crop directly determines yield and rice quality at harvest.

NPK CON CÒ 14-7-21+9S+1,4Ca - The “golden” nutrition for rice at the panicle initiation stage

1. High Potassium content up to 21%, helping to:

• Regulate water balance effectively under adverse weather conditions
• Enhance the transport and accumulation of starch into grains
• Promote larger, fuller panicles
• Ensure uniform and vigorous heading

As a result, the panicle initiation process in the Winter–Spring crop proceeds smoothly, minimizing weather-related risks.

2. Calcium and Sulfur - A “protective shield” for rice panicles

Calcium (1.4%)

• Thickens cell wall
• Strengthens plant stems
• Reduces lodging under heavy rain and strong winds

Sulfur (9%)

• Supports protein and enzyme synthesis
• Improves grain brightness
• Enhances natural aroma
• Improves overall rice quality

These advantages help rice plants stay healthy throughout the panicle initiation stage of the Winter–Spring crop.

Appropriate timing and application rate

To maximize the effectiveness of NPK CON CÒ 14-7-21+9S+1,4Ca, farmers should note:

• Application timing: When the rice plant shows panicle primordium (young panicle about 1–2 mm long), typically 40–45 days after sowing (depending on variety).
• Application rate: 100–150 kg/ha.

Timely application ensures optimal effectiveness during the panicle initiation stage of the Winter–Spring crop, creating favorable conditions for heading.

Integrated care after panicle initiation fertilization

Three to five days after fertilization, or when the rice plant begins the “booting” stage before heading, spray a combination of COTRIHEX 280SC (50 ml) + KALIBO (70 g) per 25-liter tank to:

• Effectively prevent leaf blast, neck blast, and sheath blight
• Maintain long-lasting green flag leaves
• Support rapid and uniform heading
• Increase pollination efficiency and reduce unfilled grain rate

Important notes for managing the Winter–Spring rice crop

• Water management: During the panicle initiation stage, rice requires sufficient water. Maintain a water depth of about 3–5 cm in the field to ensure optimal metabolic activity.
• Flag leaf observation: If leaves are excessively dark green (excess nitrogen), absolutely avoid applying urea. Apply only potassium or high-potassium NPK instead.
• Early disease prevention: In the Winter–Spring crop, leaf blast and neck blast are highly destructive. Applying COTRIHEX 280SC at this stage is highly appropriate to protect the panicle and the flag leaf – the “factory” responsible for grain production later on.

Conclusion

The panicle initiation stage of the Winter–Spring crop is one of the most critical factors determining yield. Choosing the right nutritional formula helps rice plants stay healthy, produce larger panicles, achieve better grain filling, and minimize pest and disease risks.

NPK CON CÒ 14-7-21+9S+1,4Ca is truly the golden key that helps farmers secure a successful harvest, achieving high yield and superior rice quality.

*Please refer to the usage instructions on the product packaging before application.