115th Annual Research Report

Research at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station (HRCRRS), Crowley, LA, is conducted by scientists with the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station. The 2023 rice research program included breeding/variety development, biotechnology, variety testing, fertilization, soil and water management, cultural practices, weed control, insect control, disease management, quantitative genetics and predictive breeding methodologies, rice economics, agronomy extension programs, and crawfish demonstration trials. Crops grown in rotation with rice were evaluated relative to increasing the efficiency of land use. Another important area of work is the production and distribution of foundation seed. The aquaculture research program places emphasis upon production practices, forages, and multi-cropping of crawfish with agronomic crops. In addition, the statewide rice extension specialist conducts numerous educational programs from the HRCRRS. Although most research work was performed by members of the Rice Station faculty, several faculty members from the Baton Rouge campus conducted research at this station as well.

The research activities of this station include both fundamental and applied research; although, the latter predominates because of the mission of the HRCRRS. Research accomplishments and general progress of the HRCRRS during 2023 are presented in this report representing the 115th Annual Research Report of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, and LSU Agricultural Center. The station has been providing research-based information and improved varieties for over 100 years and is one of the longest continuously operating research stations in the world.

In addition to research responsibilities of the HRCRRS faculty and cooperators, many farmers, extension personnel, and others were trained and otherwise contacted during 2023. Approximately 400 people attended the annual HRCRRS field day to view plots and participate in discussions of research findings. Field days were also conducted in Acadia, Morehouse and Evangeline parishes. In addition, the faculty participated in industry meetings, both on and off the station, and worked individually with farmers and others in solving immediate problems. Several thousand people received services from the HRCRRS during 2023.

Projects at this station are conducted under the supervision of research scientists from the HRCRRS and by cooperating personnel from certain departments of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station. Funding of the research conducted is gratefully provided by the Louisiana Rice Research Board through the Rice Check-Off fund, Federal research grants, and industry collaborations. Following the reports, station personnel and cooperators in 2023 are listed.

The primary objective of the Rice Breeding Project is the development of superior varieties for the Louisiana rice industry. The Breeding Project is developing improved genotypes of both long- and medium-grain types, which are both important in the state and region. A major area of emphasis is the development of Clearfield and Provisia herbicide-resistant varieties. The project is also placing emphasis on the development of special purpose types.

In addition to the primary objective of varietal development, the Breeding Project also conducts other research that may have direct and/or indirect contributions for varietal development. Included here are studies on milling quality, mutation breeding, date of planting, and herbicide tolerance of new varieties and experimental lines.

The 2023 rice breeding nursery included more than 34,000 breeding rows. Over 860 new breeding crosses were made, and 87 populations were screened through Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) focusing primarily on key traits, such as amylose, gel temp, grain shape, aroma, plant height, and blast resistance. On- and off-station testing included over 9,800 yield plots. Preliminary Yield testing (PYT) included 1,125 new lines evaluated in 2,250 plots. In 2023, the Regional Yield Test (RYT) consisted of 148 entries in their second year of yield testing. The RYT was conducted over four locations and 1,184 plots. Advanced stages of testing included the Cooperative Uniform Regional Rice Nursery (URRN) and the Advanced Yield Trial (AYT). The URRN contained 52 experimental lines and checks (10 Louisiana entries). The AYT consisted of 54 entries and was tested across nine locations totaling 1,296 plots.

See the attached 2023 Rice Station Annual Report for complete details.