ARS | Publication request: Four new rice varieties for specialty markets

Submitted to: Experiment Station Bulletins
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: July 1, 2009
Publication Date: July 9, 2009
Citation: McClung, A.M., Chen, M., Yan, W., Rutger, J.N. 2009. Four new rice varieties for specialty markets. Texas Rice, Highlighting Research in 2009. pp. IV-V.

Technical Abstract: Although conventional long grain rice varieties are grown on over 75% of the acreage in the US, there is interest in developing rice cultivars which possess specific qualities required for certain value-added markets. USDA ARS researchers at Beaumont, TX and Stuttgart, AR, in various collaborations with Texas A&M Univ., Univ. Arkansas, Univ. of Florida, Clemson Univ., and the International Rice Research Institute, have developed four new varieties that will help US farmers capture these markets. The variety 'JES' is an aromatic, soft cooking long grain (jasmine-style) rice suited for the market which is predominantly filled by imports from Thailand. JES has improved yield, is 5 inches shorter in height, and a week earlier in maturity compared to Jasmine 85 which is currently grown for this market. JES may provide another opportunity for US growers to compete with imports. 'Charleston Gold' is another jasmine-style rice which has been derived from 'Carolina Gold' (an heirloom variety that was the basis for establishing the US rice industry) and genetic material from the Philippines and India. It has excellent yield, disease resistance, and cooking quality. It will likely be grown under organic conditions and will be used by the “historically authentic cuisine market” in the Carolinas. The cultivar 'Deltabelle' was developed in partnership with the processing industry and is suited for the “quick cooking brown rice” market. As compared to 'Hidalgo'rice, which is currently grown for this market, 'Deltabelle' has significantly reduced lodging susceptibility (6% versus 20%) and will therefore reduce production risks. 'Rondo' rice was developed from a high yielding cultivar from China. It has excellent yield and disease resistance and can be used in the white milled rice market although its milling quality is reduced. However, like 'Sabine' and 'Dixiebelle' cultivars, Rondo has relatively high grain amylose content making it well suited for use by the parboiling and canning industries where milling yield is less important. These four cultivars offer new options for US growers and expanded market opportunities for the US rice industry.