The goal of the medium-grain rice breeding project is to develop and release varieties with high yield potential and superior agronomic characteristics. Major emphases during the breeding and evaluation phases include high yield potential, good milling characteristics, resistance to multiple disease pathogens, short plant stature, early maturity and appropriate grain shape, size and cooking quality. Each of these characteristics contributes to the adoption and impact of promising experimental lines by increasing economic returns and marketability and reducing production costs and yield losses. For example, disease resistance incorporated into new varieties can reduce the cost of fungicide applications, thereby increasing the producer’s net return and reducing the total amount of pesticide applications to the environment. Improvements in grain quality (size, shape, cooking quality) will secure or increase future domestic consumption and export demand.
The objectives of the program are accomplished using mostly conventional breeding methods (pedigree method). Early-generation material is screened and selected for important characteristics until promising lines reach uniformity (F5 to F8) and can be tested in preliminary yield trials. Preliminary yield trials are conducted at the Rice Research Station in Crowley so each of the unique entries can be closely evaluated throughout the growing season. Advanced experimental lines that perform well in preliminary tests are entered in a statewide variety trial (Commercial Advanced Yield Trial) to evaluate their performance and area of adaptation across the diverse Louisiana rice-growing regions. Popular commercial varieties are planted as a check to measure the relative performance of experimental lines. Additionally, superior experimental lines are tested in a multi-state yield trial (Uniform Regional Rice Nursery) to evaluate their performance and impact in the southern U.S. rice growing region.