Researchers Work to Develop Rice Varieties for Different Irrigation Regimes
By Niranjan Baisakh, Adam Famoso, Jonalyn Yabes, Rodante Tabien and Dustin Harrell
New varieties are the life blood of the Louisiana rice industry. Rice variety development is primarily focused on the enhancement of yield, grain quality, disease and insect resistance and production traits. Nearly 45 percent of all water used for global crop irrigation goes toward rice production, which is about 30 percent of the total fresh water. On average, 300 gallons of water are required to produce 1 pound of rough rice.