RICE RIRDC - AgriFutures Australia

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008 - 2009

and Research in Progress as at June 2009

RIRDC Publication No. 09/104

RICE

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2008- 2009 and Research in Progress as at June 2009

RICE

October 2009 RIRDC Publication No 09/104

© 2009 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 903 9 ISSN 1440-6845 RIRDC R&D Projects completed in 2008-09 and Research in Progress as at June 2009 - Rice Publication No 09/104 The information contained in this publication is intended for general use to assist public knowledge and discussion and to help improve the development of sustainable regions. You must not rely on any information contained in this publication without taking specialist advice relevant to your particular circumstances. While reasonable care has been taken in preparing this publication to ensure that information is true and correct, the Commonwealth of Australia gives no assurance as to the accuracy of any information in this publication. The Commonwealth of Australia, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), the authors or contributors expressly disclaim, to the maximum extent permitted by law, all responsibility and liability to any person, arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission, or for any consequences of any such act or omission, made in reliance on the contents of this publication, whether or not caused by any negligence on the part of the Commonwealth of Australia, RIRDC, the authors or contributors. The Commonwealth of Australia does not necessarily endorse the views in this publication. This publication is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. However, wide dissemination is encouraged. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the RIRDC Publications Manager on phone 02 6271 4165. RIRDC Rice Research Manager John de Majnik Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4138 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form. RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: (02) 6271 4100 Fax: (02) 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Electronically published by RIRDC in October 2009 Print-on-demand by Union Offset Printing, Canberra at www.rirdc.gov.au or phone 1300 634 313

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http://www.rirdc.gov.au/

Foreword RIRDC produces Research in Progress summaries of continuing projects and those completed during 2008-2009. Our intention is to:

• give stakeholders early access to the results of ongoing and completed work to inform their decisions, and

• inform researchers of results to shape research directions.

The complete report on all programs is on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au Rice Research in Progress June 2009, contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2008–2009. The Rice program aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry through the organisation, funding and management of a research, development and extension program that is both market and stakeholder driven. There are five sub-program objectives. These are: • Varietal and rice quality improvement (50%) • Crop establishment, agronomy/crop physiology, nutrient management and precision agriculture

(10%) • Crop protection (10%) • Farming systems for whole farm management, profit and sustainability (15%) • Technology transfer, communication, policy and communities (8%) • Human capital formation (7%) This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 1900 research publications, which are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website: www.rirdc.gov.au. Purchases can also be made by phoning 1300 634 313.

Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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http://www.rirdc.gov.au/

Contents

1.1 RICE – COMPLETED PROJECTS PROJECT No

PROJECT TITLE

RESEARCHER

PHONE

ORGANISATION

PAGE No

Crop establishment, agronomy/crop physiology, nutrient mgt & precision agriculture PRJ-000505 Understanding, quantifying and

managing spatial variability of rice growth

Geoff Beecher (02) 6951 2725 New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

1

Crop protection PRJ-000489 Management and ecology of key

rice pestsMark Stevens (02) 6951 2644 New South Wales

Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

3

Farming systems for whole farm management, profit & sustainability PRJ-000442 Rice extension for improving

yields and water productivityJohn Lacy (02) 6951 2738 New South Wales


5

PRJ-000687 Reconciling farming with wildlife: monitoring vertebrate biodiversity in the Riverina rice fields

Sean Doody University of Canberra 6

PRJ-000716 Weed management in Australian rice production

Malcolm Taylor (03) 5872 2892 Agropraisals Pty Ltd 8

Technology transfer, communication, policy & communities PRJ-002896 Rice Yield and Water Productivity

ExtensionJohn Lacy (02) 6951 2738 New South Wales


9

Varietal and rice quality improvement PRJ-000493 Rice cold tolerance for yield

stability and water-use efficiencyPeter Snell (02) 6951 2742 New South Wales


11

PRJ-000499 Rice improvement II Russell Reinke (02) 6951 2516 New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

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1.2 RICE – RESEARCH IN PROGRESS

PROJECT No

PROJECT TITLE

RESEARCHER

PHONE

ORGANISATION

PAGE No

Crop protection PRJ-000547 Biotechnology approach for

precision-breeding of cold-tolerant rice

Xiaochun Zhao (02) 9351 8829 The University of Sydney

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Farming systems for whole farm management, profit & sustainability PRJ-002897 Approaches to Manage Spatial

Variability of Rice Growth and Yield

Geoff Beecher (02) 6951 2725 New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

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PRJ-003204 Ability of rice-based farming systems to adapt to Climate Change

Chris Cole New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

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Technology transfer, communication, policy & communities PRJ-002946 RGA Communication Project Ruth Wade (02) 6953 0433 Ricegrowers’

Association of Australia

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Varietal and rice quality improvement PRJ-002927 Rice cold tolerance for yield

stability and water-use efficiencyPeter Snell (02) 6951 2742 New South Wales


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PRJ-002942 Rice Improvement III Russell Reinke (02) 6951 2516 New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

20

PRJ-003019 Rice Quality V Rachelle Ward (02) 6951 2656 New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

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Completed Projects – 2008-2009 Crop establishment, agronomy/crop physiology, nutrient mgt & precision agriculture Project Title

Understanding, quantifying and managing spatial variability of rice growth

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000505

Start Date: 8/1/2006 Finish Date: 7/1/2008 Researcher: Geoff Beecher Organisation: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of

the State of NSW Phone: (02) 6951 2725 Fax: (02) 6955 7580 Email: [email protected] Objectives

To extend the capacity of NIR plant tissue testing as an aid to fertilizer management so that crops with significant spatial variability can be managed more efficiently. The capacity of hyperspectral imagery to determine the spatial variability ofcrop nitrogen uptake and requirements will be evaluated. This project also aims to understand factors contributing to spatial variability in rice yield and quality so that rice farmers can manage the spatial variability of crop growth and yield to increase input resource (water land fertiliser and energy) productivity and profitability. The research program aims to use the better resolution of a new FT-NIR instrument to achieve more reliable calibrations for elements such as phosphorus in plant shoots.

Background

The variability of rice growth and yield within rice fields is a major factor limiting rice yields. Our hypothesis was that average field rice yields could be increased by understanding and managing the factors that contribute to the spatial variability of yield within fields. In order to profitably utilise the available variable rate fertiliser technologies, we need a better knowledge of soil factors which are contributing to the crop variability.

Research

Field trials were undertaken during 2006/7 and 2007/8. Fields were selected on EM and the amount and history of cut and fill. We measured initial soil properties, rice establishment, crop growth and water temperature/depth using sampling points identified from maps of EM and cut/fill. A Bruker FT NIR instrument was incorporated into the NIR tissue testing service and calibrations developed for N and a range of other nutrients. Modifications to the maNage rice decision support system included more flexible methods for growers and advisers to (1) locate the co-ordinates of a field (2) import images such as cut and fill maps and satellite images (3) running maNage rice on user-defined zones, (4) producing shape files which are the basis for delivering fertiliser at variable rates.

Outcomes

Yield variation was related to cut and fill depths and landforming strategies, with grain yields lower in the cut areas than the fill areas of rice fields. Yield variation due to cut and fill is evident on fields that were landformed more than 20 years ago. Much of the yield variation associated with landforming is due to the supply of mineralised nitrogen, and can be partly overcome with additional N fertiliser applied to cut areas. There is some evidence of lower phosphorus availability on cut areas with high soil pH. The lower phosphorus availability and plant uptake appeared to reduce grain yield in some fields. The NIR rice tissue testing service was successfully supported and the Bruker FT-NIR instrument integrated into the service. The maNage Rice decision support

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system was updated. Implications

The field investigations confirm the impact of cut/fill on rice crop growth and yield performance. The results clearly show that rice crops respond to N fertiliser across cut and fill and that cut areas require additional N fertiliser to improve rice crop performance. The results also highlight that high soil pH and calcareous soil conditions could be limiting the availability of P to rice plants compared to low soil pH areas of the rice field. The interactions of soil and plant P need to be explained and the conflicting results between the soil and tissue P tests resolved. Liquid P sources should be evaluated on alkaline zones.

Publications

Geoff Beecher, Brian Dunn, Kellie Harrison, John Angus, Sue Ciavarella, Tony Blakeney and Graeme Batten (2007). Understanding and managing in-field variability of rice growth and yield. IREC Farmers Newsletter, Rice R&D edition, No 174 Summer 2006-07 pp. 27-30. Brian Dunn, Graeme Batten, Anthony Blakeney, Geoff Beecher, Susan Ciavarella & Paul Robinson (2008) Progressive improvement: the key to successful NIR-based plant analysis for crop fertilizer management. pp 20. Conference of the Australian Near Infrared Spectroscopy Group, Hamilton Victoria, 6-10 April 2008. NSW Department of Primary Industries and CSIRO (2006) MaNage Rice Version 6.3

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Crop protection Project Title

Management and ecology of key rice pests

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000489

Start Date: 7/1/2005 Finish Date: 2/25/2009 Researcher: Mark Stevens Organisation: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of


1. To complete small-scale evaluation of niclosamide and new chlorothalonil formulations for snail control in rice. 2. To develop new DNA-based techniques to determine which species of bloodworm attack rice during later crop establishment. 3. To complete small-scale evaluation of imidacloprid as a seed treatment for bloodworm control.

Background

Bloodworms and aquatic snails are key establishment pests of rice in NSW. Chemical control of snails based on copper sulphate is unsustainable due to the capacity of copper to accumulate in soils, whilst chemical options for bloodworm control are limited to a small number of compounds. Knowledge of the feeding ecology of bloodworms will allow control techniques to be better targeted, whilst an understanding of stink bug population dynamics will help determine whether high levels of blemished grain in recent harvests may be a consequence of insect attack.

Research

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy, crop safety, and environmental fate of alternative compounds for snail and bloodworm control. DNA technology was investigated as a means to determine which of the many bloodworm species present in rice are feeding on the crops. Stink bug populations were monitored in commercial crops and population densities were estimated.

Outcomes

Niclosamide was highly effective against rice snails, however experimental chlorothalonil formulations were ineffective at practical application rates. Imidacloprid seed treatments for bloodworm control are safe to the crop, but efficacy was not conclusively demonstrated due to poor pest recruitment during the drought. PCR detection of rice mtDNA in the gut contents of pests will be an effective tool for ecological studies, although issues remain in regard to finding primers with high levels of plant specificity. Stink bug populations in monitored crops were too low to account for observed levels of grain blemishing.

Implications

Niclosamide should be registered for use against rice snails, as it is the only compound available that has the potential to replace copper sulphate. Further trials are required on imidacloprid for bloodworm control. Although stink bugs have the potential to cause significant damage to rice, populations remain low on the majority of farms and potential pathological and physiological causes of grain blemishing need to be investigated.

Publications

Stevens, M.M., Reinke, R.F., Coombes, N.E., Helliwell, S., Mo, J. 2008. Influence of imidacloprid seed treatments on rice germination and early seedling growth. Pest Management Science 64:215-222. Stevens, M.M., McDonald, F.J.D., Warren, G.N., Mo. J. 2008. Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) associated with rice crops in southeastern Australia. General and

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Applied Entomology 37:1-5. Stevens, M.M., McDonald, F.J.D., Warren, G.N., Mo. J. 2007. Anaxilaus vesiculosus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a potential new pest of rice in southeastern Australia. Australian Entomological Society 38th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Beechworth, 23-26 September 2007. Stevens, M.M. 2007. Potential effects of climate change on rice IPM systems in Australia. GRDC National Invertebrate Pest Initiative. Climate Change. 3rd Workshop, Orange, 12-13 November 2007. Stevens, M.M., Warren, G.N. 2008. Controlling larval chironomids (Diptera: Chironomidae) in Australian rice crops using a commercial formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis. XXIII International Congress of Entomology, Durban, 6-12 July 2008. Stevens, M.M., Mo, J., McDonald, F. 2008. Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) associated with rice crops in south-eastern Australia. XXIII International Congress of Entomology, Durban, 6-12 July 2008.

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Farming systems for whole farm management, profit & sustainability Project Title

Rice extension for improving yields and water productivity

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000442

Start Date: 5/30/2007 Finish Date: 8/30/2008 Researcher: John Lacy Organisation: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of


It is planned to increase consultation with the Environmental Champions Program and attempt to identify some new environmental checks for Ricecheck.

Background

The rice industry is a significant irrigated industry in NSW worth $300m at the farm gate and $800m value added with rice underpinning rotations and farm income. Research is needed to improve profitability and sustainability of the 1600 rice farm businesses. Research and extension are linked in NSW DPI which enables good cooperation and teamwork. This allows effective communication of research results and quick adoption of new practices by farmers. Rice extension programs have contributed to improved practices resulting in a 35% increase in rice yields in the last 20 years up to 2002 (with no new varieties making any yield contribution since the ceiling adoption of Amaroo in 1992) and 60% increase in water productivity.

Research

Most extension activities eg Field day, Rice crop protection group and rice research extension meetings were conducted and publications updated eg Ricecheck recommendations and Rice production using groundwater but a few activities eg Pre-season meetings were cancelled because of the lack of rice production. Farmfit drought meetings in collaboration with the Rice Growers Association and DAFF were very successful. New water productivity benchmarks following consultation with the Environmental Champions Program were developed. A new rule of thumb of 15kg/day yield or $8.25/day/ha loss for each day later sowing in October was compiled from analysis of the Ricecheck database.

Outcomes

The average rice yield for the 2007/08 season was 8.9t/ha which was the same as the 10 year average (1999-2008). The water productivity (WP) in the 2007/08 season for the MIA was 0.75 tonnes/ML which was above the 10 year average of 0.67t/ML. Good consultation with the ECP was achieved particularly with the new water productivity benchmarks.

Implications

Once the drought is over and “normal” rice production recommences the challenge of improving the average yield of 8.9 t/ha and average water productivity of 0.67t/ML will be crucial in keeping rice based farmers viable. The main issue will be the reduced irrigation and rainfall for irrigated farms and less water availability for growing rice. Improving profitability per megalitre will be the main objective.

Publications

Bechaz,K and Lacy,J 2008. New water productivity targets for each rice growing valley. IREC Farmers Newsletter- Large Area No.179 Spring 2008

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Project Title

Reconciling farming with wildlife: monitoring vertebrate biodiversity in the Riverina rice fields

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000687 1/1/2006 Start Date: 5/30/2009 Finish Date: Sean Doody Researcher: University Of Canberra Organisation: Phone: Fax: [email protected] Email:

Objectives

* To manage and promote existing on-farm vertebrate biodiversity using an experimental approach, as a part of the rice industry's Environmental Champions Program (ECP) * Conduct medium- to long-term monitoring of selected vertebrate species in the above experiments to demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the ECP's on-farm management program for vertebrate biodiversity * Conduct parallel ecological research (e.g., habitat utilisation on rice farms or the farming matrix) on selected, significant vertebrate species to facilitate on-farm management decisions

Background

In the present study we aimed to begin farm management of biodiversity using the knowledge gained in the previous study. An experimental approach for incorporation into the Environmental Champions Program was used in tandem with monitoring and further research on selected significant species. However, the re-gripping of Australia’s worst drought on record had a significant impact on the project and through the environmental impact on revegetation efforts on farm.

Research

A dietary analysis was conducted on the two most abundant species of frogs in this landscape, and a habitat utilisation study, which employed radio-telemetry was conducted on Carpet Pythons.

Outcomes

Our findings include a baseline monitoring of vertebrates on rice farms; a determination that frogs may play a significant role in natural pest control for rice crops; and that an iconic snake species utilises habitat differently on farms than in native woodlands. The project concludes by integrating knowledge gained in these studies with that of other studies to formulate management strategies for rice farmers and other stakeholders in the region.

Implications

• Vertebrate monitoring program may be undermined by the effects of drought on planting success, detectability, and resources (funding). Environmental conditions must be considered when comparing biodiversity indices across years. • As predicted frogs consumed several species of rice pests, and as such their presence reflected natural pest control. Any reduction of frog abundance would accordingly result in increases in the abundance of rice pests and thus likely increase pest damage to rice crops. • Carpet Pythons occupy heavily modified landscapes, but still rely on natural retreats including tree hollows. The role these snakes may play in agricultural areas may be to help control invasive species such as the house mouse and European rabbit.

Publications

Castellano, C., Ross, S., J. S. Doody, and Osborne, W. 2006. Native frogs born in rice bays consume rice pests. IREC Farmers' Newsletter Rice R&D Special 177:48-49. Castellano, C., J. S. Doody, and Osborne, W. 2006. From rice to revegetation: wildlife conservation on rice farms. IREC Farmers' Newsletter Rice R&D Special 174:20-21.

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Project Title

Weed management in Australian rice production

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000716 6/1/2006 Start Date: 10/23/2008 Finish Date: Malcolm Taylor Researcher: Agropraisals Pty Ltd Organisation: (03) 5872 2892 Phone: (03) 5872 2838 Fax:

Email: [email protected] Objectives

To develop and demonstrate new herbicide resistance management strategies for direct seeded rice by searching and evaluating new herbicides offering alternate methods of action to those currently in use.

Background

All direct seeded rice is highly dependant upon effective herbicides to render the crop free of weed competition. Previous investment by RR&DC in weed control research has assisted in the development of a suite of control products and strategies, many of which are unique to Australia. Small changes in crop yield potential due to weed management show massive returns on investment in herbicide products. Over reliance on any one product can rapidly lead to selection of resistant weed biotypes that can render multiple herbicide products ineffective. This occurred in the 1990’s with bensulfuron in Australia.

Research

Field trials were conducted with four herbicide products in water seeded rice over two seasons. Pentoxazone @ 100-400 gai/ha failed to effectively control starfruit or water plantain. Pentoxazone proved excessively phytotoxic to water seeded rice at all rates tested. Daimuron failed to effectively safen rice against pentoxazone injury Etobenzanid @ 750 gai/ha gave effective control of barnyard grass. Efficacy of etobenzanid waned as application was delayed past sowing. Etobenzanid demonstrated marginal crop safety to water seeded rice, with excessive injury noted @ >1000 gai/ha. Carfentrazone was excessively phytotoxic to rice at all rates tested in one experiment. Carfentrazone antagonised broadleaf weed control with benzofenap, thus does not appear to offer utility in this combination. Saflufenacil @ 200-300 gai/ha demonstrated effective control of all major aquatic weeds of Australian water seeded rice, with adequate crop tolerance.

Outcomes

Two of the four herbicides (pentoxazone alone or mixed with daimuron) failed to meet our requirements. Etobenzanid may prove a useful substitute for molinate. Saflufenacil demonstrated promising results for aquatic weed control in water seeded rice

Implications

An alternate herbicide presenting a novel mode of action for water seeded rice has been identified and development towards registration has been commenced.

Publications

Nil

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Technology transfer, communication, policy & communities Project Title

Rice Yield and Water Productivity Extension

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002896 10/10/2008 Start Date: 6/30/2009 Finish Date: John Lacy Researcher: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

Organisation:

(02) 6951 2738 Phone: (02) 6951 2620 Fax:


The project aims to increase rice yields and water productivity by 2% in the 2008/09 season. It particularly focuses on objective 5 in the Five Year RIRDC Rice R& D Plan ie. technology transfer, communication, policy and communities.

Background

The rice industry has been a significant irrigated industry normally worth $800m in NSW with rice underpinning rotations and farm income. Research is needed to improve profitability and sustainability of the 1600 farm businesses. This project is responsible for communicating research and best practices to improve profitability and sustainability of the rice industry. Research and extension in NSW DPI are linked in the one organisation which enables good cooperation and teamwork. This allows effective communication of research results and quick adoption of new practices by farmers. Without effective extension, results would not be communicated to farmers and commercial agronomists resulting in poor or slow transfer of technology

Research

There were 4 subprograms in the project limited in scope because of the low rice production: 1. Extension activities- discussion groups, 6 field days, a pre-season meeting,industry meetings, 4 main publications, group tour seminars, farm visits and media communication were conducted. Posters of research and extension results were presented at the field days. 2. Demonstrations - 3 demonstrations of delayed permanent water(DPW) were conducted 3. Training- an amended Rice for Profit Course was conducted for NSW North coast growers. Training of farmers in NIR Tissue Test field sampling was conducted at 4 panicle initiation dicussion group meetings. 4. Ricecheck- a Ricecheck crop survey was initiated for North Coast Growers but remoteness to the growers, lack funding and heavy rain at harvest will result in few results. A Ricecheck field study for an ACIAR funded project in Laos on Direct Seeding of Rice was successfully completed for the 2008/09 dry season.

Outcomes

The average rice yield was 8.3t/ha which was below the previous 10 years average of 8.6t/ha. This was the result of very high and low temperatures at flowering which caused sterility. Water productivity (WP) for the MIA was 0.58t/ML which was below the previous 10 year average of 0.67t/ha. WP was affected by the low yield and higher water use from above average evaporation. Water use(irrigation and rainfall) for the MIA was 14.4ML/ha compared to the previous 5 years average of 13.2ML/ha.

Implications

The implications are the same as in the previous season. After 7 years of drought and the selling of permanent water increasing as an issue, the need for a good rainfall season to allow normal rice production is urgent. It is an understatement to say farmers need some good income years. Once cash flows

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are re-established the challenge of improving the average yield of 8.6 t/ha and average water productivity of 0.67t/ML and profit/ML will be crucial for farmer viability.

Publications

2008 Ricecheck Recommendations Rice Crop Protection Guide 2008 Weed control for delayed permanent water and upland rice systems Draft primefact on rice quality.

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Varietal and rice quality improvement Project Title

Rice cold tolerance for yield stability and water-use efficiency

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000493 7/1/2005 Start Date: 9/30/2008 Finish Date: Peter Snell Researcher: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

Organisation:

(02) 6951 2742 Phone: (02) 6951 2660 Fax:


* To use recently established protocols for assessing cold tolerance in rice for accelerated breeding of adapted germplasm which will confer a 3-7 degree C improvement in cold tolerance. * To ensure that cold tolerance is introgressed in backgrounds amenable to the obtainment of higher levels of cold tolerance in the 6 different quality classes of rice currently commercially grown. * To investigate associated gene/s or variation in gene expression exhibit in tolerant germplasm or that in novel genotypes.

Background

The occurrence of low night temperatures during reproductive development is one of the factors most limiting rice yields in southern Australia. The absence of cold tolerant rice varieties has resulted in the failure of grower adoption of water saving techniques, stagnating further improvements in water productivity of rice based farming systems.

Research

This program utilised purpose built cold tolerant nurseries to screen both segregating and fixed material that contains putative sources of cold tolerance. The initial material emanated from past Rice CRC and associated RIRDC projects and encompassed elite lines and double haploids. Further material emerged from this project through the development of a complex crossing program that capitalised on triple and pro-active backcrossing. This ensured cold tolerance sources were introgressed into backgrounds of the six different quality classes for which the current breeding program services. This material was further progressed conforming to the modified pedigree breeding system and/or single seed descent system (in cases of accelerated progression) used in the rice improvement program.

Outcomes

Tolerant donor stock, effective screening protocols and commercial relevant fixed lines were key outcomes generated from the work undertaken. If realised in the form of a commercial variety, these improvements in cold tolerance would provide greater yield stability under current commercial practises as the temperature threshold for yield loss would be lowered by a further 3° C.

Implications

.In monetary terms the material produced from this research would achieve an additional $340 per hectare return for rice growers who maintain deep water at young microspore. As an agronomic package, shorter season cold tolerant varieties would incur further savings in gross margins given the opportunity to reduce water use. Although even modest water saving (1 ML a hectare) would provide enough financial incentives for growers to adopt shorter season varieties, given the current over inflated pricing of water, the social and political ramification for irrigation communities is enormous.

Publications

Snell P., Reinke R., Subsinghe R., Ford R. (2007). Developing rice varieties for an evolving production environment – an Australian perspective IN Bocchi S, Ferrero A, Porro A, editors 2007. Fourth Temperate rice Conference.

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Proceedings of the Fourth Temperate Rice Conference, 25-28 June 2007, Novara, Italy. P48. Smith J., Reinke R., Fukai S., Fischer K., Snell P. (2007). Screening for low-temperature tolerance at the reproductive stage in rice: difficulties inducing floret sterility. IN Bocchi S, Ferrero A, Porro A, editors 2007. Fourth Temperate rice Conference. Proceedings of the Fourth Temperate Rice Conference, 25-28 June 2007, Novara, Italy. P64.

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Project Title

Rice improvement II

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000499

Start Date: 7/1/2003 Finish Date: 1/26/2009 Researcher: Russell Reinke Organisation: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of


The breeding program exists to respond to rice industry needs for improved cultivars, specifically to address the requirements for environmental sustainability, on-farm profitability, and grain quality for existing and potential markets world-wide. No less important is the objective of ensuring that genetically-pure seed of all existing and new varieties is supplied to the industry annually. A further role that has developed recently is in the provision of appropriate populations for a significant number of RIRDC and Rice CRC-funded research projects.

Background

The rice breeding program is a long term project and an integral part of the overall rice research effort. In the past 16 years 11 varieties have been released - a series of locally adapted semi-dwarf medium and long grain lines, and varieties with specific quality characteristics for specific markets. More than 95% of the Australian rice area is sown to varieties emanating from the NSW Rice Improvement Program.

Research

The breeding program followed a modified pedigree breeding procedure in order to combine all the traits necessary for high yield potential, good grain quality and tolerance to stresses into new varieties. Approximately 300-500 rice hybridisations (crosses) were carried out each year which fed into this process. In each subsequent generation lines were selected for a wide range of traits, and tested for yield in small plots and on farms prior to commercial release.

Outcomes

The key outcome from this project was the release of the rice variety Reiziq in 2004. This variety incorporated larger grains than the standard medium grain variety Amaroo, and was developed in response to specific marketing feedback. There have been two seasons of successful commercial production A second outcome is the development of the advanced breeding line YRM69 which has demonstrated high yield potential and improved cold tolerance. Although it has not been released for commercial production it will nonetheless form an important parental line for cold tolerance in future varieties.

Implications

The drought has underscored the need to expand the objectives of the improvement program to include all traits that will aid adaptation to production under restricted irrigation practices, and to maintain and increase the focus on water efficiency.

Publications

Bradbury LM, Henry RJ, Jin Q, Reinke RF, Waters DL (2005) A perfect marker for fragrance genotyping in rice. Molecular Breeding 16, 279-283. Stevens MM, Reinke RF, Coombes NE, Helliwell S, Mo JH (2008) Influence of imidacloprid seed treatments on rice germination and early seedling growth. Pest Management Science 64, 215-222. Waters DL, Henry RJ, Reinke RF, Fitzgerald MA (2006) Gelatinization temperature of rice explained by polymorphisms in starch synthase. Plant Biotechnology Journal 4, 115-122

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Research in Progress – 2008-2009 Crop protection Project Title

Biotechnology approach for precision-breeding of cold-tolerant rice

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-000547

Start Date: 10/1/2006 Finish Date: 5/30/2010 Researcher: Xiaochun Zhao Organisation: The University of Sydney Phone: 02 9351 8829 Fax: 02 9351 8875 Email: [email protected] Objectives

1. Production of doubled haploid (DH) populations and recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from the crosses of 'Reiziq' with several sources of cold tolerant varieties for cold tolerance breeding and molecular marker development. 2. Phenotyping of DH and RIL populations for cold tolerance. 3. Improvement of microspore culture system for the production of DH lines for breeding. 4. Construction of a microarray containing previously identified genes that are differentially expressed between cold-sensitive (Doongara) and cold-tolerant rice (R31 R32) and use this array to screen DH lines or RILs. This array will enable us to identify eQTLs that co-segregate with the tolerance phenotype. 5. Mapping of the cold-tolerance QTLs of R31 and R32 using populations of RIL and/or DH lines derived from the crosses between Doongara and R31 R32. R31 has so far proven to be recalcitrant to microspore culture while R32 have shown good regeneration to DH plants. For Doongara X R31 RIL lines will be used for mapping by using micro-satellite markers and microarray-based eQTL mapping. The eQTL method will enable us to precisely map the region of interest on the genome sequence which is important for subsequent fine-mapping and identification of candidate cold-tolerance genes. 6. Potential R31 and R32 cold tolerance markers will be verified in the other cold tolerant lines. 7. DH RIL populations and molecular markers for cold tolerance will be provided to the rice breeders in Yanco. 8. Establishment of microspore culture based DH production system for rice breeding.

Current Progress

Most tasks have been completed, except for DH production, where the available time and resource for microspore culture was limited. We have developed six F6 RIL populations. The F6 Reiziq × M103 will be harvested later this year. Two additional RIL populations, Reiziq × R32 and Reiziq × Jyoudeki have been phenotyped. DNA from both Doongara x R31and Doongara x R32 has been submitted to DArT for marker analysis. The R31 population has been processed and QTL analysis revealed 134 markers and 12 QTL regions on 9 chromosomes. Phenotyping of the 2 RIL populations was also carried out for plant height, semi-dwarfism, flowering time and ABA sensitivity. Fine mapping will soon be carried out as soon as we receive DArT results of the R32 population and the markers for sequencing and localisation of the QTLs on the rice genome sequence. Transgenic approaches have been commenced with potential candidate genes, as identified in QTL regions, to study the effect of those genes on cold tolerance. The genes under investigation are OSABI5, DREB1F and OsERF77 and 93, also those involved in maintaining sugar delivery to anthers and reducing anther ABA levels.

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Farming systems for whole farm management, profit & sustainability Project Title

Approaches to Manage Spatial Variability of Rice Growth and Yield

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002897

Start Date: 7/1/2008 Finish Date: 6/15/2010 Researcher: Geoff Beecher Organisation: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of


The project objectives are to: 1. identify and understand factors contributing to in-field spatial variability in rice yield, 2. identify and evaluate methods by which ricegrowers can manage in-field spatial variability in yield to increase production, profitability and water productivity. 3. maintain the NIR calibrations and instruments for the rice NIR Tissue Testing Service and update the associated PI nitrogen topdressing recommendations.

Current Progress

We have been monitoring 5 replicated experiments at 2 field sites. The field experiments are located at sites of different degrees of cut and fill in the same field and at 1 site in the same rice bay. Each experiment compares the performance of rice where a range of fertiliser (N and P) and soil amendment treatments (varying levels of feedlot manure or chicken litter) have been applied. A large replicated pot experiment located at Yanco Agricultural Institute is following the performance of a similar range of treatments using soil from a range of soil depths to reflect soil recently exposed by landforming. At each site temperatures and water depths have been monitored using loggers. At each field experiment we harvested at PI measuring dry matter accumulation, tiller number and N uptake. PI plant samples have been prepared for ICP analysis. Soil sample analysis for all experiments has been completed. Presentations were made at all 6 district rice field days conducted at Griffith, Yanco, Coleambally, McCaughey, Deniliquin and Wakool on project aims, methodologies and results so far. The Bruker FT-NIR machine provided by Sunrice has been maintained, NIR calibrations for the PI tissue testing service have been updated and samples from 82 rice fields were submitted to the NIR tissue testing service. Commercial rice crop N uptake ranged from 43 to 235 kg N / ha with a mean N uptake of 120 kg N / ha.

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Project Title

Ability of rice-based farming systems to adapt to Climate Change

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-003204 6/30/2008 Start Date: 7/10/2009 Finish Date: Chris Cole Researcher: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

Organisation:

Phone: Fax:


There are a number of key objectives to the proposed project: 1. Involve all sectors of the rice based farming systems industry in a carefully-managed process that provides a common understanding of future problems and opportunities. 2. Conduct a scoping study and establish terms of reference. 3. Conduct a scoping workshop attended by a broad-based range of participants from the various sectors of the irrigated rice based farming systems industry. The workshop would examine emerging issues through the prior preparation of the scoping paper, amplified by presentations by selected keynote speakers. 4. A facilitated process would then develop appropriate strategies and prioritise project areas for subsequent future development and investment. 5. Identify which parts of the supply chain should be involved in high priority projects.

Current Progress N/A

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Technology transfer, communication, policy & communities Project Title

RGA Communication Project

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002946 7/1/2008 Start Date: 6/30/2010 Finish Date: Ruth Wade Researcher: Ricegrowes' Association of Australia Organisation: (02) 6953 0433 Phone: (02) 6953 3823 Fax:


To ensure RGA participation in the work of the RRDC. To promote the work plan of the RRDC to growers and other stakeholders, inlcuding State and Federal Governments. To maintain the R&D levy at $3 per tonne post January 2009.

Current Progress Minutes provided to RIRDC and report on RIRDC R&D Levy.

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Varietal and rice quality improvement Project Title

Rice cold tolerance for yield stability and water-use efficiency (2)

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002927 10/10/2008 Start Date: 6/30/2010 Finish Date: Peter Snell Researcher: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

Organisation:

(02) 6951 2742 Phone: (02) 6951 2660 Fax:


The project aims to use the recently developed cold air and cold water screening to accelerate the introgression of cold-tolerance genes into adapted backgrounds and to advance the most promising selected lines for yield and quality testing within the NSW DPI Rice Breeding Program. A second area of interest is to test the hypothesis whether marker-aided selection could accelerate introgression of cold tolerance in comparison to the conventional cold screening approach. The scope of the objectives also includes improving the cold-tolerance levels for each of the 6 quality classes currently grown commercially, to improve on-farm profitability and enable the NSW Rice Industry to service existing and potential markets with a greater reliability. The long-term aim of the project is the attainment of a level of cold tolerance sufficient to allow the adoption of alternate irrigation strategies which would greatly improve the environmental sustainability of rice production in NSW. As this level of cold tolerance does not currently exist in current germplasm present in Australia, the potential of novel genotypes developed in Australia and overseas will be investigated as possible donor material to achieve this long-term aim.

Current Progress

A continued focused on germplasm enhancement for cold tolerance has seen 80% of crosses undertaken by the rice improvement program over the last year being dedicated to 2nd to 3rd cycles of introgression through backcrossing. This will rectify the current agronomic shortcoming of elite lines developed from this project that are currently entering small plot evaluation in the breeding program. Another strategy that has been employed for three Reiziq populations is to bolster population size of material selected from cold tolerant nurseries through single seed descent. These resultant elite lines were evaluated this season as micro-plots enabling quantitative data on height maturity and cold tolerance to be ascertained. Over 80 F2 populations were sown in cold tolerant nurseries this season (C2009) utilising four sowing dates. This enabled over 5,700 panicles to be tagged for cold tolerant evaluation, which encountered cold night temperature at young micrsopore. The cold water facility at RRAPL was utilised to orchestrate a cold event on the shoulders of what were heat wave conditions in late January. Currently spikelet sterilities are being process on 26 of the 80 F2 populations, which had Reiziq, Langi or Kyeema as the recurrent parent.

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Project Title

Rice Improvement III

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-002942 9/25/2008 Start Date: 6/15/2010 Finish Date: Russell Reinke Researcher: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of the State of NSW

Organisation:

(02) 6951 2516 Phone: Fax: (02) 6955 7580 Email: [email protected] Objectives

The overall objective of this project is to produce new mainstream rice varieties for the Australian rice industry with increased yield potential, yield stability and grain quality. Mainstream varieties are those which match the grain quality of the japonica type medium grain Amaroo or the soft-cooking long grain Langi. Varieties of these types will be available to all rice farmers through the issue of a non-exclusive licence to the commercialising partner. Of equal importance is the objective of continuing improvement in water productivity (kg grain/ML) through tolerance to the main abiotic stress, which is low temperature during the reproductive stage. A related project is focused on capturing genetic improvement in cold tolerance through early generation selection, and the lines developed will flow through to this project for yield and quality testing. Further objectives are to build adaptation to aerobic conditions during vegetative growth to allow the use of alternative irrigation strategies to reduce water use and/or improve water productivity.

Current Progress

The 2009 breeding program harvest is nearing completion. The experimental designs were changed substantially to maximise efficiency while reducing the size of the program. All trials were designed as "partially replicated" allowing unequal levels of replication, testing advanced lines and commercial varieties, and early generation lines with varying levels of replication according to seed availability. Seven partially replicated trials were sown at Yanco, comprising 3,700 plots. Preliminary results indicate modest yields, which may be related to a period of extreme heat during the mid-late reproductive stage, followed by a period of relatively low temperatures, resulting in a general increase in floret sterility. Industry-wide results from the limited rice production area in 2008/2009 were also lower than expected, with average yields over all varieties around 8t/ha. The advanced medium-grain line YRM69 out-yielded the commercial varieties in the long-season, and mid-season trials, but had similar yield to the commercial varieties in the short-season trial. Limited on-farm production of this line also showed significantly higher yield than the commercial varieties, although this must be balanced against the relatively small number of crops. Due to the small number of commercial crops this season, the on-farm testing program of advanced lines was limited to a single trial of short-season lines at Rice Research Australia, Jeriliderie. Since November 2008, approximately 495 crosses have been made. A high proportion have been backcrosses to transfer specific traits such as cold tolerance, aerobic adaptation, and tolerance to straighthead, with the balance for enhanced yield potential and quality.

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Project Title

Rice Quality V

RIRDC Project No.:

PRJ-003019

Start Date: 9/10/2008 Finish Date: 6/15/2010 Researcher: Rachelle Ward Organisation: New South Wales Department of Industry and Investment for and on behalf of

the State of NSW Phone: 02 6951 2656 Fax: 02 6951 2719 Email: [email protected] Objectives

The primary objective of Rice Quality V is to (a) support the rice breeding team by performing the routine Quality Evaluation in a timely manner. The research aims of Rice Quality V are to (b) continue to improve the efficiency, accuracy, scope and cost of the Quality Evaluation Program, and (c) continue to conduct research that compliments and feeds into the Quality Evaluation Program .

Current Progress

The progress is reported against the 5 tasks detailed in the October 2009 milestones. 1. All data generated for the Quality Evaluation Program (QEP) was delivered to the Rice Breeding Program by January 2009. 2. A further 30 samples have been analysed for the NIR protein calibration, and N data for the 2007 and 2008 trials have been supplied to the Rice Breeders. 3. Correlations between grain cracks in brown rice and millout proved to be ineffective. The two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms reported to explain gelatinisation temperature have been evaluated on breeding lines and parental lines. While the results look promising, further work is required before introduction into the QEP. 4. With the phasing out of the Cervitec in 2010, it is unlikely that there will be any further INQR collaborations based on this instrument. Previous participation in a second INQR initiative to review the method to measure amylose content has developed into a paper submitted to the Journal ‘Cereal Chemistry’. 5. Completed experimental work (tempering trial, amylose classification) is being analysed by the biometrician, and several small research projects are currently underway. A Primefact titled ‘Rice Quality’ is a summary of the Quality Evaluation Program and shortly available on the NSW DPI website.

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RIRDC Publication No. INSERT PUB NO. HERE

RICE

The Rice program aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry through the organisation, funding and management of a research, development and extension program that is both market and stakeholder driven.

There are five sub-program objectives. These are:

• Varietal and rice quality improvement

• Crop establishment, agronomy/crop physiology, nutrient management and precision agriculture

• Crop protection

• Farming systems for whole farm management, profit and sustainability

• Technology transfer, communication, policy and communities

• Human capital formation

The Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) manages and funds priority research and translates results into practical outcomes for industry.

Our business is about developing a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector. Most of the information we produce can be downloaded for free or purchased from our website: www.rirdc.gov.au, or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

RIRDCInnovation for rural Australia

Contact RIRDC:Level 2

15 National CircuitBarton ACT 2600

PO Box 4776Kingston ACT 2604

Ph: 02 6271 4100Fax: 02 6271 4199

Email: [email protected]: www.rirdc.gov.au

Most RIRDC books can be freely downloaded or purchased from www.rirdc.gov.au or by phoning 1300 634 313 (local call charge applies).

www.rirdc.gov.au

RIRDC Publication No. 09/104

RICE RIRDC - AgriFutures Australia

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