The advancement in rice genomics and the completion of the rice genome sequence open new possibilities to approach key problems found in rice production. Increased understanding in the molecular aspects of rice that underlie genetic control of important traits has elevated an aura of finding new, more effective tools to better control selection processes leading to high-quality, high-yielding cultivars. This research program will identify chromosomal regions containing genes that control important traits, tag them and integrate the resulting molecular marker technology into the breeding programs. Microsatellite markers are routinely being used to develop breeding lines that carry blast-resistant genes (Pi-ta2, Pi-b, Pikh/ks and Pi-z), an aroma gene and a gene for plant height. Marker work in progress includes identification of the DNA markers for sheath blight-resistant genes as a part of multi-state collaborative efforts.

For U.S. rice production to remain competitive, new rice types must be developed to not only meet current demand but also provide high-quality products to reach more diversified consumers and subsequently create new demand by enhancing specific properties that will give outstanding health benefits. The high precision of the use of molecular markers offers important advantages in their utility for enhancing the effectiveness and speed of conventional breeding. One area of this research focuses on identifying markers associated with amino acid compositions and total protein content in the rice grain.

Breeding efforts, genomics and tissue culture are also being used to improve coastal marsh plants. An initial Rice Research Station collection of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), the predominant salt marsh species in Louisiana, has been used to develop superior, high seed-producing, smooth cordgrass lines. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers have been used to characterize the genetic base and level of diversity among these promising lines. Efforts are being made to determine optimun production methods, harvesting techniques and seed storage. A Flail-Vac-Seed stripper/harvester will be used to facilitate mechanical harvest as part of a midterm plan toward commercial cultivation of smooth cordgrass. The main goal would be to develop a dependable support system for aerial seeding that will allow for large-scale coastal marsh restoration and erosion control.