Changes in Rice Yield Stability in Southern China from 1949 to 2015

Improving yield stability is an important objective of agricultural progress. This study was conducted to evaluate the trends of rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield stability in southern China. Rice yield data during a 67-yr period for 12 provinces in southern China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Zhejiang) were collected from the World Rice Statistics database (from 1949 to 2013) and the database of the National Bureau of Statistics of China (for 2014 and 2015). Relative yield residuals for each province were calculated and indicated that rice yield stability significantly increased in 10 of the 12 provinces, with only Guangdong and Guizhou not showing an increase during this 67-yr period. We believe that a stable increase in rice production is achievable in southern China with the continuous efforts to develop new cultivars, improve crop management practices, and strengthen public services such as releasing disaster information and using technical experts.