[Image: Rice Genetics Project]The LSU AgCenter Rice Genetics Project is dedicated to improving the Louisiana rice industry through cooperative research projects with scientists at the Rice Research Station and on the LSU AgCenter Baton Rouge campus. Research efforts are focused in the following three areas:
(1) Identification of DNA markers in rice associated with high levels of sheath blight resistance and milling quality. To reduce time for development of improved varieties that will perform well across different environments, the Rice Genetics Project and other LSU AgCenter rice researchers are participating in a USDA-funded project (Rice CAP) with seven other research institutions in the United States. Field trials and genetic studies for this project have been conducted at the Rice Research Station for the past three years. In 2008 we expect to begin utilizing DNA markers identified by the Rice CAP Project for improvement of sheath blight resistance and milling yield in Louisiana rice varieties.
(2) DNA marker development and application for special purpose rice.
Special purpose rice varieties have aroma or certain cooking qualities that occupy a niche market in Louisiana, but the consumption of this type of rice is growing in the United States. Unfortunately, most special purpose rice is imported, so there is a need to develop local varieties that will benefit the Louisiana rice industry. Rapid development of special purpose rice is hampered by the genetics of the aroma trait and the need to combine desired characteristics from different stocks or lines. We have recently developed specific DNA markers for the aroma, blast resistance, amylose content and gelatinization temperature traits to help develop improved special purpose lines for Louisiana in cooperation Dr. Xueyan Sha who is a rice breeder at the Rice Research Station.
(3) Development of sheath blight-resistant germplasm by conventional methods. The primary goal of this research is to develop improved geneti[Image: Don Groth by Sheath Blight Resistant Line]c material for sheath blight resistance from both domestic and foreign sources by crossing to elite Louisiana varieties. This research is conducted in cooperation with Dr. Don Groth at the Rice Station. Promising lines developed with acceptable levels of sheath blight resistance and agronomic traits are submitted for evaluation and use in the LSU AgCenter Rice Breeding Program.