Home > Crops & Livestock > Crops > Rice > 2009 Louisiana Rice Research Board Funded Projects The new and continued projects funded by the Louisiana Rice Research Board Rice Research Report Masthead Rice Research Report Masthead Rush looks back over 39-year career of fighting rice diseases [Image: Dr. Chuck Rush Receiving an award] When he came to Louisiana in 1970, Dr. Chuck Rush started his LSU AgCenter career conducting rice research, and 39 years later he’s still searching for answers. Broadleaf weeds, sedges present more problems in North Louisiana Broadleaf weeds and sedges have become more problematic in recent years in North Louisiana rice fields, probably because of the increased use of Command and other herbicides with limited broadleaf and sedge activity, according to Dr. Bill Williams, an LSU AgCenter weed management specialist at its Scott Research, Extension and Education Center.  more articles... CHEMICALS OFFER PROMISE in battling water weevils, other insects [Image: picking weevils] LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Mike Stout is continuing his work to help farmers with their No. 1 insect pest, the rice water weevil. Rice specialist relaying his ‘Field Notes’ to producers [Image: Johnny Saichuk and Kim Landry visiting rice field] Dr. Johnny Saichuk, LSU AgCenter Extension rice specialist, has become a traveling correspondent, relaying observations and thoughts in his weekly “Field Notes.” Variety development [Image: Dr. Sha making cross] LSU AgCenter rice breeder Dr. Xueyan Sha makes a cross by using a flowering rice plant from the greenhouse. RiceCAP project likely to improve varieties [Image: Jim Oard] Improvements in rice varieties are likely from the RiceCAP project, a collaboration involving the LSU AgCenter, eight other universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. LSU AgCenter Communications supports Louisiana Rice [Image: two combines harvesting rice] LSU AgCenter Communications has been actively supporting the efforts of the Louisiana Rice Research Board, rice growers across the state and AgCenter faculty members involved in rice research for more than eight years. Studies seek most effective FERTILIZER use [Image: dustin harrell giving field day tour] LSU AgCenter agronomist Dr. Dustin Harrell of the AgCenter’s Rice Research Station conducts a wide range of research to figure out how farmers can get the most effective benefits from fertilizer applications. New farm bill increases level of complexity; economist working on ‘decision tools’ [Image: field shot from the air] The new federal farm bill passed recently by Congress has increased the level of complexity faced by farmers. Cercospora remains slight threat for 2009 [Image: don groth advises farmers about rice disease] The threat of Cercospora will remain a slight possibility for the 2009 crop, even though it hasn’t been a widespread problem since 2006, according to Dr. Don Groth, LSU AgCenter pathologist at the Rice Research Station. Molecular biologist on mission to find genes of interest LSU AgCenter molecular biologist Dr. Herry Utomo is on a mission to find genes of interest to improve rice varieties. Aromatic rice likely to be released for 2009 season [Image: tasting aromatic rice] After 12 years of development by the LSU AgCenter, an experimental line of an aromatic Jasmine-type rice is a likely candidate for release for the 2009 growing season. Click for more information...