U.S. long-grain rice has been considered the quality standard of the world. In recent years, however, a number of both domestic as well as international customers have complained about the quality. The causes of the quality issues in U.S. long-grain rice are complex and not due to one specific factor.

Quarterly publications with current activities and research updates for 2009. Topics covered in these issues include: enhanced disease resistance; grape colapsis; medium-grain rice production; hybrid rice research; alligator weed; new variety release of Jazzman; zinc in rice; infestation of the Mexican rice borer; Master Farmer Program; screening for disease in rice; availability of Dermcor X-100.

As we move into fall in Louisiana, the rice harvest is essentially complete. Here at the Rice Research Station, we are wrapping up our field research as well. Even as we complete our field research, our research activities do not slow down. The fall and winter months are crucial in our preparation for field research anew next season.

Numerous diseases can infect rice plants. While some are typically considered major, others are normally of only minor consequence. Sheath blight is one of the diseases classified in the major category.

The 2011 Rice Research Station Field Day was held on Thursday, June 30, at the research facility near Crowley. Each year the field day includes a tour of various research sites around the station where scientists display their research efforts and discuss results that will be of benefit to rice producers and others that work in rice production agriculture.

The research activities of this station include both fundamental and applied research, although the latter predominates because of the mission of the Rice Research Station. Research accomplishments and general progress are presented in the 102nd Annual Research Report of the Rice Research Station. It is significant that this facility has been providing new technology to the Louisiana rice industry for more than 100 years.

This report provides information on future plans, program significance, industry facts, and research highlights for the Rice Research Station.

How things have changed, and most of these changes have occurred in the past 20 years. Early on, people began to hear the word personal computer more frequently. We had no idea the possibilities this device would someday provide.

While all agronomic crops require meticulous management, rice is considerably more complex. Much of this complexity is due to the fact that rice is grown under flooded conditions for most of the growing season.

Plant breeders face a tremendous challenge in breeding varieties that will be successful for production.