Highlights of the 2007 Rice Research Station Field Day

The 2007 Rice Research Station’s Field Day was held on June 28 under pleasant weather conditions; especially for south Louisiana in late June. There was a large and attentive crowd who had the opportunity to take the field tour and see and hear the latest technology in rice production as a result of research conducted at this facility.

Among the highlights from the field tour:

--Dr. Xueyan Sha discussed and displayed a demonstration plot of LA2028. This is a very 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) and excellent grain quality that is highlighted by a very large grain size, which is preferred by most medium grain customers. In addition, Dr. Sha spoke of LA2125, which is a very 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 as we are currently importing a substantial amount of this type of rice into the U.S. from Thailand.

--Dr. Ida Wenefrida discussed her research to develop rice varieties with higher levels of protein, especially lines with higher levels of essential amino acids. She currently has developed several lines with significant improvements in protein level. Her research is currently also evaluating 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.

--Dr. Eric Webster spoke on several innovative developments in his rice weed control research program. One very interesting area that shows promise from Eric’s work is the use of the herbicide Permit in pre-plant applications. Dr. Webster has shown a substantial level of control of grassy weeds under certain conditions from this herbicide which was not previously thought to have activity on grasses. If this research pans out, this will give producers more flexibility for the control of grassy weeds with the possibility of some savings in herbicide costs.

--Dr. Dustin Harrell discussed his rice agronomic research program. Dr. Harrell is an excellent soil scientist and of particular interest is his work to fine-tune the use of soil tests in Louisiana rice production. He also discussed his research to maximize the yield and returns from production of a ratoon crop.

--Dr. Don Groth reviewed the results of his research on the control of narrow brown leaf spot disease in rice. This is of particular interest to producers as this disease has always been considered a relatively minor disease in Louisiana rice production. However, this disease caused major damage to the rice crop in 2006 therefore there is a great deal of interest in the best methods minimize the impacts of this disease on the 2007 crop.

--Dr. Brooks Blanche discussed his research into blending seed of different varieties or blending seed of varieties and hybrids. This work shows promise for increasing yield and quality, decreasing seed costs and perhaps minimizing rice disease impacts.

--Dr. Mike Stout spoke on several potential new rice insecticides. This is especially important to the industry as currently there is a very limited spectrum of insecticides available for the control of rice insects. Dr. Stout also introduced Dr. Natalie Hummel to those on the tour. Dr. Hummel has recently assumed the position of Rice Extension Entomologist in the LSU AgCenter. She comes into this position with excellent credentials and appears ready to hit the ground running.

--Dr. David Lanclos discussed the current situation with Asian Soybean Rust in Louisiana. This is a potentially serious disease in soybeans that was first identified in the U.S less than two years ago. While this disease has yet to cause any substantial damage to the state’s soybean production, the potential for serious consequences is very real.

After the field tour, participants had the opportunity to view numerous posters and displays on rice research projects as well as other areas of interest. Prior to lunch the speaker session provided several knowledgeable speakers who provide information and insight on several topics of interest to the industry. During the speaker session in the Foundation Seed Facility the group heard presentations from 1) Paul “Jackie” Loewer who reported on activities of the Louisiana Rice Research Board, 2) Johnny Broussard who gave an update on the development of the 2007 Farm Bill, 3) Dr. Mike Salassi who provided an economic outlook for rice, 4) Marvin Lehrer who provided insight in the potential for increased exports of Louisiana rice into Cuba and 5) LSU AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson who thanked the group for their support of LSU AgCenter activities with special emphasis on their support of rice research and extension activities.

Also during this session, five former members of the Louisiana Rice Research Board were honored for their long term service to the industry. Recognized were Dr. Ernest Girouard, John Denison, Hine Unkel, Paul Guillory, and Ed Patrick.

Steve Linscombe
LSU AgCenter
Southwest Region/Rice Research Station