This project is focused on breeding for improved conventional and special-purpose rice varieties for Louisiana and the southern United States . The initial responsibility of this project was the development of improved medium-grain conventional and specialty rice varieties for Louisiana. However, while some medium-grain research continues, the project has shifted emphasis to working on the development of conventional long-grain varieties since 2005. In addition to the development of these different types of rice lines, the project is also involved in the overall rice breeding program at the Rice Research Station, which includes crossing, planting, selection, yield trials and the Puerto Rico winter nursery. The breeding goals for conventional rice include high yield potential (both main and ratoon), superior quality (milling and grain), earliness, lodging tolerance and resistance to major rice diseases (blast, sheath blight, panicle blight and straighthead).

The other major focus of the project is the development of special-purpose long-grain rice varieties (primarily aromatic Jasmine-, Basmati- and Della-types and non-aromatic Toro-type) adapted to the southern U.S. environment. The breeding goals here include superior cooking quality (aroma, texture and flavor) similar or close to the imports or commercial products and competitive grain and milling yields comparable with conventional varieties. Germplasm enhancement and the improvement of the selection methodology are also part of research efforts.