This publication handles information likely to become dated in a short time, such as changes in varieties, pest management products and other recently developed production practices. Projected cost and return information are also very important in management decisions.

Additional information can be found in the Crop Enterprise Budgets publication, which can be accessed on the LSU AgCenter’s rice webpage.

Decisions on variety selection are some of the earliest and most critical you will make. This information will help you decide which rice varieties are best suited to your particular growing conditions.

The varieties are grouped based on grain type (long or medium/short) and use (special purpose).

Clearfield (CL) varieties are resistant to Newpath and Beyond herbicides for use in the Clearfield production system. Provisia (PV) varieties are resistant to the Provisia herbicide. All rice varieties, including CL and PV herbicide-resistant varieties, are non-GMO and developed from traditional breeding approaches. After each variety name, letters in parentheses indicate the state of origin of the variety. A brief description of the agronomic characteristics of each of the recommended varieties is provided. In addition to recommended varieties, descriptions of other varieties are included. These are varieties that are not recommended but may be grown on limited acreage. In some cases, the lines have performed well in testing, but the number of years in testing is less than the minimum three years required for recommendation.

Rice Varieties and Management Tips is available through the LSU AgCenter’s rice webpage at https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/crops/rice. Additional rice production information can also be found in the Louisiana Rice Production Handbook, which is also available through the LSU AgCenter rice webpage.

Data were generated in seven research trials at the North and South Units of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Crowley and off-station locations in Acadia, Evangeline, St. Landry, Tensas and Vermilion parishes.

The following information is included:

Yield: Dry weight, lb/A

Milling:

a. Head — percentage of whole kernels after milling.

b. Total — percentage of all kernels (whole and broken) after milling.

Seedling Vigor: Vigor ratings are based on subjective estimates made during yield testing.

Days to 50% Heading: Average number of days from emergence to 50% heading. This occurs when half of the flag leaf sheaths have panicles emerging from them. Most varieties will reach harvest maturity (20% grain moisture) within 30 to 40 days after heading under normal conditions. Medium grains normally require five to seven days longer after heading to reach harvest maturity than do long grains under similar environmental conditions