2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): The objective of this cooperative research project is to operate a fall and winter rice nursery for the purpose of advancing plant generations and seed increases. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): The Agricultural Experiment Stations of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, along with the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center will provide technical assistance for operation of rice research field plots; provide rice seed stock; and provide advisory/collaborative assistance as needed. 3.Progress Report: The winter nursery facilities at University of Puerto Rico in Lajas were used to produce pure seed sources of cultivars with commercialization potential, genetic resources for on-going studies, genetic mapping populations, and germplasm from the USDA National Small Grains Collection. The pure seed sources are being used to explore marketability for two specialty products. The mapping populations are being used in research to identify genes associated with straighthead resistance and grain arsenic elimination. Seed was prepared for planting in Arkansas, and planting plans were sent to the cooperator in Puerto Rico. Cooperator accurately planted the materials, managed the field during the growing season, provided facilities and expertise for harvesting and processing the seed, and coordinated seed inspection with APHIS authorities prior to shipment of the harvested seed to Arkansas.