Jul 06, 2022
CROWLEY, LA – Rice farmers, researchers, wildlife specialists, and others gathered here last Wednesday at the oldest and largest rice research station in the country to learn about the important research being undertaken in breeding, agronomy, weed science, entomology, agronomics, and more.
Among the highlights of the presentations, rice breeder Dr. Adam Fomoso spoke about new varieties close to commercial release: Avant, a high-yielding early variety, and Addi Jo, a high amylose line that could do well in Latin American markets that have strayed from U.S.-grown rice in recent years. Fomoso also discussed Provisia and Clearfield long grain rices and a Louisiana basmati line that had recently been discovered in a freezer and is being investigated.
Entomologist Dr. Blake Wilson reminded attendees of the threat rice water weevil presents to U.S. rice farms with the ability to reduce yields by 20 percent or more if unmanaged and the newly emerging pressures from apple snails (not edible!) and billbugs that are moving into AWD and row rice areas. Wilson said insecticidal seed treatments are not effective on billbugs and that he and his team are studying foliar insecticide strategies that could work as row rice acres continue to increase in many areas.
New LSU plant pathologist Dr. Felipe Dalla Lana warned of sheath blight and kernel smut risks that continue to plague Louisiana rice farmers and discussed new efforts to help rice farmers with decision making through better understanding of the relationship between disease intensity and yield and other factors.
Weed scientist Dr. Connor Webster showed the interesting results of his investigation into Loyant and Gambit in water seeded rice, and mentioned that growers should expect to see new technologies soon.
Louisiana rice specialist Dr. Ronnie Levy shared extensive agronomy information, including seed rate and date studies, nitrogen deficiency in row rice, and how researchers deal with the “border effect” which can distort yield statistics.
One of the most exciting developments in recent years was discussed by Herry Utomo who covered the low glycemic index high protein rice developed at the station. This rice will help consumers avoid blood sugar spikes which is important for the more than 37 million Americans with diabetes. Utomo said more than 530 million people around the world are living with the immune disease and it leads to millions of preventable deaths each year. He also pointed out that as people seek to reduce their intake of animal protein, rice with higher protein can help avoid malnutrition.
Following the station tours and poster sessions Betsy Ward, president & CEO of USA Rice, addressed attendees about assistance for rice farmers that USA Rice is pursuing with allies in Congress and the Biden Administration, supply chain disruptions and remedies, trade challenges, and positive results of USA Rice consumer research that showed rice is enjoying an unparalleled positive reputation.
Later that afternoon, the Louisiana Rice Promotion Board and the Louisiana Rice Research Board both met. Ward gave updates to both boards and took questions from board members on multiple topics.
USA Rice Vice President of International Sarah Moran and Vice President of Communications & Domestic Promotion Michael Klein presented results of the current year’s promotion campaigns to the Promotion Board and formally requested the Board’s support for the USA Rice Council for the coming year. The request was approved unanimously.