Specialist Considers The 2016 Missouri Rice Season
SAM ATWELL
NEW MADRID, MO.
“The 2016 Missouri rice growing season and crop was the most diverse we have experienced in many years.” “Overall, yields are off probably 15 percent of the past five year average.”
Most growers are now focusing and equipping for 2017. Their thoughts are focused on how to make a profit. Perhaps, by decreasing inputs, or choosing a new high yielding variety or change your basic operation? What new stuff should I consider to fit my operation or should I leave everything alone?
According to variety studies at MU Portageville and MRRMC Research Farm and other university trials, we have choices. “Choices” are perhaps the most exciting thing about living in the USA. Thanks to our farmers, industry, and universities there are several new varieties for 2017.
Hybrid varieties generally yield more and have a better disease package than non-hybrids. Some perform better than others under different situations so, study their strengths for your operation.
• New: CL XP766 or RT7311 CL in 2017) is a Clearfield hybrid version of Old: XL 753.
• New: CL 153 offers blast resistance and improved grain quality over OLD: CL 151.
• New: CL 172 simi-dwarf with blast resistance, better quality, yields than Old: CL 111.
• New: Diamond has excellent yield potential but is susceptible to blast and bacterial panicle blight so will probably require fungicide treatments.
• New: Gemini CL 214 is a long grain Clearfield line provides improved grain retention and Bacterial Panicle Blight resistance.
And we still have all the OLD varieties LaKast, Roy J and Taggart which have performed well and will be available in 2017.
Diseases and insects reduce yield and quality and increase production cost which lowers profit. IPM and consultants are a great investment and we should never let our guard down. High yielding hybrid and conventional varieties need to be scouted closely for early insect and disease detection then foliar applications can be made in a preventive manner. Hybrid varieties generally have a better disease package but don’t ignore them.
Although disease and insect pressure has been relatively low in MO the past few years we were hit hard in isolated areas with Sheath Blight, Blast and insects in 2016.
Due to a very dry fall, Missouri growers have regraded and prepared their fields for 2017 and are ready to plant. A good start for a profitable year. ∆
SAM ATWELL: Agronomy Specialists, University of Missouri