At the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station’s annual field day, June 28, 2007, rice breeder Xueyan Sha discussed and displayed a demonstration plot of LA2028. This is a promising semi-dwarf medium grain experimental line that may be released as foundation seed in 2008. This line is characterized by excellent yield potential – comparable to Jupiter, the most recent Rice Station medium grain variety release – excellent grain quality and large grain size, which is preferred by most medium grain customers.
In addition, Sha spoke of LA2125, a promising semi-dwarf long grain with Jasmine characteristics. Jasmine has a unique cooking type with a distinctive aroma and a soft texture after cooking. There is great interest in the development and release of a Jasmine type adapted to production in Louisiana. The United States imports a substantial amount of this type of rice from Thailand.
Ida Wenefrida, another researcher at the station, discussed her efforts to develop rice varieties with higher levels of protein, especially lines with higher levels of essential amino acids. She has developed several lines with significant improvements in protein level. She also evaluates these lines for yield, quality and agronomic characteristics. If successful, this research will certainly open up new markets for future rice produced by Louisiana growers.
Steven D. Linscombe |