2011 Rice Research Station Profile
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Research HighlightsRice Varieties
Rice varieties developed at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station are grown not only in Louisiana but throughout the southeastern United States. The latest new variety is an aromatic rice named Jazzman-2. This variety is an alternative to imported jasmine rice and has opened new markets for Louisiana rice producers.
Clearfield Rice
The technology that has led to the advent of Clearfield rice was derived from research conducted at this LSU AgCenter facility. The technology allows for the control of rice weeds.
Clearfield rice currently is grown on more than 60 percent of the southern U.S. rice acreage. Most of this acreage is seeded with Clearfield varieties that also were developed at this research station.
Foundation Seed Rice
One of the most important functions of the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station is the production of foundation rice seed. Foundation seed is the first step in the commercialization of a rice variety.
Puerto Rican Connection
Because of its Puerto Rican connection, the Rice Research Station breeding program squeezes three seasons out of a year, accelerating the process of developing new rice varieties. Without the nursery program at LaJas, Puerto Rico, the breeding program would only be able to grow one generation of rice a year.
Crawfish
The aquaculture research program places emphasis on production practices, forages and multicropping of crawfish with agronomic crops.
Coastal Restoration
The research at the Rice Research Station is developing more resilient and superior native plants that help build a productive estuarine ecosystem. The station has introduced experimental lines of native smooth cordgrass and California bulrush.
Significance of Rice Research
- Rice varieties developed at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station are grown not only in Louisiana but throughout the southeastern United States.
- Over the past 100 years, the Rice Research Station has developed 47 varieties that have increased rice yields.
- Research conducted on agronomic practices at the Rice Research Station increases production and contributes to the state’s economic development.
- Production of foundation rice seed developed at the Rice Research Station provides commercial rice for rice producers.
- Support of rice and crawfish production provides essential habitat for wildlife species and increases earning potential for rice producers.
2010 Rice Industry Facts
- More than 3 billion pounds of rice produced in Louisiana.
- 5 37,000 acres of rice in production in 2010.
- On average, 6,400 pounds of rice produced per acre.
- Rice produced in 30 parishes.
- Total farm-gate value of rice production was $410 million, and value added to rice production was $120 million in 2010, for a total economic contribution of $530 million.
- Rice is one of the most durable crops in Louisiana, where hurricanes can be an issue during the growing season.
Data from the Louisiana Ag Summary,Web site: LSUAgCenter.com/agsummary.
Future PlansRice variety development will continue to be a mainstay of the research program at the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station. While two research projects focus specifically on variety development, most other projects contribute to these efforts through collaborative research. Future variety development will be facilitated through increased use of techniques such as marker-assisted breeding and anther culture.
The Rice Research Station has initiated research into the development of rice hybrids. This program is being conducted in cooperation with the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Nanning, China. The Puerto Rican nursery will continue to be critical to variety development efforts, and plans are to increase the size of the nursery to accommodate the rice hybrid-development efforts.
Rice diseases, insects and weeds are major constraints for Louisiana rice production, and work will continue in these three critical areas.
Crawfish production continues to grow in importance in Louisiana, and research will continue to develop new technology to foster this industry.
Research will continue in all rotational crops, with special emphasis on biofuel crops that show potential for the region.
The Rice Research Station conducts an annual field day. This year’s field day will be on June 30, 2011, and will highlight current breeding, production, disease and pest research projects.
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Rice Research Station Profile 2011
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| Last Updated: 6/6/2011 10:03:20 AM |
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