more... > Research Stations > Rice > Publications > Variety Development - A Key Function of the Rice Research Station [Image: Rice Station 1909] The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station was established in 1909 and will celebrate 100 years of technology development for the Louisiana rice industry with its annual field day on July 1. The initial catalyst for the establishment of the research station was the need for new improved varieties for the emerging rice industry in the southwestern portion of the state. Medium-Grain Rice Acreage Up in Louisiana in 2009 [Image: milled grains of Catahoula and Neptune] More rice acreage in Louisiana will be seeded to medium-grain varieties than has been the case in a number of years. Rice Variety Selection - An Important First Step/Dermacor X-100 Twenty-five years ago Louisiana was predominantly a medium-grain producing state. In the decade of the 1980s, we planted approximately 65 percent of our acreage in medium-grain varieties, with the reminder seeded to long-grain types. In 2008, Louisiana planted over 95 percent of our acreage in long-grain types. Foundation Seed Rice Production Essential for the Rice Industry [Image: Larry White] One of the most important functions of the LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station is the production of foundation rice seed. The Rice Research Station produces foundation seed primarily of varieties developed by the station.  more articles... Current Status of Coastal Wetland Plants Research and Restoration Efforts [Image: Coastal Wetlands Symposium] “Proceedings of Symposium on Current Status of Coastal Wetland Plants Research and Restoration Efforts at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station, November 14, 2008. Meeting overview, Agenda, Presentation abstracts, Author information, and List of registered attendees are provided”. China: An Emerging Superpower [Image: Dr. Linscombe meeting at the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences] The Rice Research Institute located at the Guangxi Academy is renowned for its expertise in rice research, and this is the primary purpose of our visit. We hope to establish long-term collaborative research efforts between this Chinese research facility and the Rice Station that will ultimately benefit the Louisiana rice industry. Reflections on the 2008 Louisiana Rice Crop [Image: Rice Research Station Harvest] The 2008 Louisiana rice planting season started out with a general air of optimism. However, as the rice cropping season draws to a close, it will be remembered as one of the most diverse and surprising. Improving Technology for Coastal Wetlands Restoration [Image: Seeding at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge] A common misconception is that the only research conducted at the Rice Research Station relates to improvements in technology for Louisiana rice production. research area that holds great potential for the state is the research being conducted on the improvement of plant species and technology for restoration of Louisiana coastal areas. Highlights of the 2008 Rice Research Station Field Day [Image: Drs. Linscombe and Sha] The annual field day was held on July 2 at the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station near Crowley. This is an event held at this time each year that showcases technological advances that have come about from research conducted at this facility. Rice Midseason Critical for Production Success [Image: Heading rice] As a rice plant grows and develops, it progresses through a number of different growth stages until it reaches harvest maturity and is ready for the combine. Most of our currently grown rice varieties need approximately 120 days from seed germination until the grain is ready for harvest. Off-Station Trials Important to Rice Industry [Image: Off-Station site in Vermilion Parish] Rice research scientists from the LSU AgCenter conduct many research projects at locations other than the Rice Research Station near Crowley. These off-station sites are located throughout the rice-growing regions of the state. LSU AgCenter Releases New Rice Varieties for 2008 The LSU AgCenter has released two new rice varieties for seed production in 2008. Both varieties were developed at the Rice Research Station located near Crowley. Rice Research: A Multi-State Effort [Image: States involved in rice research] The recent USA Rice Outlook Conference, held in Orlando, Florida, provided an excellent overview on the current state of affairs in the rice industry. Successful rice research can have positive benefits for Louisiana rice producers regardless of where it is conducted. 2007 Rice Crop Review [Image: Field of LA 2082 at Rice Research Station] The 2007 Louisiana rice crop is out of the field for the most part. While a few fields of second crop remain to be harvested, the harvest season is pretty much completed. Click for more information...