more... > Research Stations > Rice > Publications > 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.  more articles... Rice Planting Soon Upon Us [Image: Breeding Crew Planting] Rice planting season will soon be upon us. There is a tempered sense of optimism among rice farmers going into the 2008 planting season because prices received for rice are currently higher than they have been for years. That optimism is tempered because the cost of production of a rice crop is at an all-time high. 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. Climate, Economics Crucial for Rice Industry Louisiana rice producers are at the mercy of the weather of our state which can sometimes be detrimental to the crop even in the absence of hurricanes. Potential New Insect Pest in U.S. Rice Production A potential new rice insect pest has been identified in the United States. The insect has been identified as the rice panicle mite Steneotarsonemus spinki, Smiley. Challenges of Rice Variety Development: Part II Farm & Ranch 1(6):20 - August 2005. Rice variety development is a long-term research endeavor. It normally takes 4-5 years from when the initial cross is made to develop a new population, until superior progeny from that population are uniform enough to be entered into yield trials. Challenges of Rice Variety Development - Part 1 Farm & Ranch 1(5):11 - July 2005. The LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station has a long history of developing new varieties of benefit to the Louisiana rice industry. Challenges of Rice Variety Development: Part III Farm & Ranch 1(7):16 - Sept. 2005. The lines that display superior characteristics in preliminary testing are considered for advancement to our Commercial/Advanced (CA) trials, as well as the Uniform Regional Rice Nursery (URN). Only about 5% of lines entered into the preliminary trials will be advanced. Louisiana Rice Research Board Supports Industry Improvements Farm & Ranch 1(10):10 - Dec. 2005. The Louisiana Rice Research Board recently met to review funded projects, evaluate new proposed projects and make decisions on funding for 2006. The board is a 13-member group that administers funds collected at a rate of $.05/cwt on all rice produced in Louisiana. These funds can be used only for rice-related research purposes. More...