Home > Our Offices > Research Stations > Rice Research Station > About Rice Research Station [Image: Rice Research Station] (Video) The LSU AgCenter’s Rice Research Station was the first rice experimental station in the U.S. Located near Crowley, the station develops improved rice varieties that increase yields for farmers in Louisiana and across the country. Research on crawfish is also conducted at the station because of the close relationship crawfish and rice share. Rice Publications Links to important rice-related information. Understanding of Growth Stages is Critical in Rice Production [Image: Green Ring] Several growth stages help identify critical periods during the life cycle of the rice crop. They are generally separated into the vegetative and reproductive phases or stages of growth. Off-Station Rice Research in Louisiana [Image: Planting in Jeff Davis Parish] As of this writing (early April), most of the research areas, as well as all of the foundation seed fields, have been planted at the Rice Station. In addition, several of our off-station research locations also have been planted.  more articles... LSU AgCenter Releases Two New Rice Varieties for 2012 [Image: Della-2] The LSU AgCenter has released two new rice varieties for production in 2012. Both of these varieties are the result of a number of years of breeding research at the Rice Research Station near Crowley. 2012 Rice Research Newsletters [Image: February 2012 Rice Research Newsletter] Quarterly publications from the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station with current activities and research updates for 2012. Water Issues in Rice Production [Image: Pumping plant that was part of an early southwest Louisiana rice irrigation system] One of the features of southwest Louisiana that first attracted pioneers to attempt rice production in the region was the abundance of surface water available from the bayous and rivers that flow south to the Gulf of Mexico. Rice Quality and Impacts on Marketability [Image: High quality low chalk level, uniform long grain on left- low quality high chalk level, non- uniform long grain on right.] U.S. long-grain rice has been considered the quality standard of the world. In recent years, however, a number of both domestic as well as international customers have complained about the quality. The causes of the quality issues in U.S. long-grain rice are complex and not due to one specific factor. 2009 Rice Station Newsletters [Image: February Newsletter] Quarterly publications with current activities and research updates for 2009. Topics covered in these issues include: enhanced disease resistance; grape colapsis; medium-grain rice production; hybrid rice research; alligator weed; new variety release of Jazzman; zinc in rice; infestation of the Mexican rice borer; Master Farmer Program; screening for disease in rice; availability of Dermcor X-100. Off-Season at the Rice Research Station [Image: Herman Hoffpauir conducts milling research for the Rice Breeding Project.] As we move into fall in Louisiana, the rice harvest is essentially complete. Here at the Rice Research Station, we are wrapping up our field research as well. Even as we complete our field research, our research activities do not slow down. The fall and winter months are crucial in our preparation for field research anew next season. Rice Sheath Blight Control Issues [Image: Sheath Blight] Numerous diseases can infect rice plants. While some are typically considered major, others are normally of only minor consequence. Sheath blight is one of the diseases classified in the major category. Highlights of the 2011 Rice Field Day Tour [Image: Tigers] The 2011 Rice Research Station Field Day was held on Thursday, June 30, at the research facility near Crowley. Each year the field day includes a tour of various research sites around the station where scientists display their research efforts and discuss results that will be of benefit to rice producers and others that work in rice production agriculture. 2010 Rice Research Station Annual Report [Image: 2010 Annual Rice Research Station Report] The research activities of this station include both fundamental and applied research, although the latter predominates because of the mission of the Rice Research Station. Research accomplishments and general progress are presented in the 102nd Annual Research Report of the Rice Research Station. It is significant that this facility has been providing new technology to the Louisiana rice industry for more than 100 years. 2011 Rice Research Station Profile [Image: station profile] This report provides information on future plans, program significance, industry facts, and research highlights for the Rice Research Station. Click for more information...