rice r&d projects completed in 2006-2007 and research in … · iii foreword this year rirdc has...

Rice R&D Projects Completed

in 2006-2007 and Research in Progress

as at June 2007

2007

RIRDC Publication No 07/010

ii

© 2007 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 1 74151 410 X ISSN 1440-6845 Rice R&D Projects Completed in 2006-07 and Research in Progress as at June 2007 Publication No. 07/010 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.

General Manager, Research Contact Details Ms Margie Thomson Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2, 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4130 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected].

RIRDC Publications Manager Cecile Ferguson Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6271 4165 Fax: 02 6271 4199 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au Published in July 2007

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Foreword This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June 2007, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 2006-2007 for all of the Corporation’s program areas. The complete report on all the programs is available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au. The following report is a hardcopy extract for the Rice Program. It contains all entries from continuing and completed rice research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of over 1600 research reports, videos and CD-ROMs of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshop Peter O’Brien Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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CONTENTS

2.3 Rice - Research in Progress Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page

Varietal improvement & pure seeds maintenance DAN-212A How does molecular architecture of starch

determine viscosity of rice? Dr Melissa Fitzgerald (02) 6951 2656 NSW Department of Primary

Industries 1

DAN-220A Rice improvement II Dr Russell Reinke (02) 6951 2516 NSW Department of Primary Industries

2

DAN-238A Rice grain quality 4 Dr Arun Aryan (02) 6951 2656 NSW Department of Primary Industries

3

DAN-243A Rice cold tolerance for yield stability and water-use efficiency

Dr Peter Snell (02) 6951 2742 NSW Department of Primary Industries

4

US-145A Biotechnology approach for precision-breeding of cold-tolerant rice

Dr Norman Darvey (02) 9351 8828 The University of Sydney 5

USC-10A Developing high quality cold tolerant rice varieties using molecular markers

Dr Daniel Waters (02) 6620 3443 Southern Cross University 6

Agronomy/crop physiology DAN-207A Continuing on-farm yield improvement

based on agronomy, crop modelling and rice physiology

Dr Ranjith Subasinghe (02) 6951 2679 NSW Department of Primary Industries

7

DAN-248A Understanding, quantifying and managing spatial variability of rice growth and yield

Mr Geoff Beecher (02) 6951 2725 NSW Department of Primary Industries

8

DAN-249A Developing management options to mitigate the straighthead occurrence in rice

Dr Ranjith Subasinghe (02) 6951 2679 NSW Department of Primary Industries

9

Crop protection AGR-9A Weed management in Australian rice

production Mr Malcolm Taylor (03) 5872 2892 Agropraisals Pty Ltd 19

DAN-240A Management and ecology of key rice pests Dr Mark Stevens (02) 6951 2611 NSW Department of Primary Industries

11

Sustainable farming systems CSL-27A Rapid response screening tools for

minimising off-site impact of rice pesticides Dr Rai Kookana (08) 8303 8450 CSIRO Land and Water 12

UCA-11A Reconciling farming with wildlife: monitoring vertebrate biodiversity in the Riverina rice fields

Dr Sean Doody (02) 6201 2795 University of Canberra 13

Technology transfer & communications DAN-236A Extension for improving rice yields and

water use efficiency Mr John Lacy (02) 6951 2738 NSW Department of Primary

Industries 14

RGA-3A Maintaining and enhancing collaboration and linkages with organisations and personnel involved in rice research

Dr Laurie Lewin (02) 6955 2205 Rice Growers' Association of Australia

15

2.3 Rice - Completed Projects Project No Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page

Varietal improvement & pure seeds maintenance US-143A Improvement of rice breeding by

biotechnology approach Dr Norman Darvey (02) 9351 8828 The University of Sydney 16

USC-6A New markers for Australian rice improvement

Prof. Robert Henry (02) 6620 3010 Southern Cross University 17

Crop nutrition DAN-222A NIR to enhance precision crop

management Dr Alison Bowman (02) 6938 1628 NSW Department of Primary

Industries 18

Crop protection AGR-8A Rotational weed control practices for rice Mr Malcolm Taylor (03) 5872 2892 Agropraisals Pty Ltd 19

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Sustainable farming systems DAN-201A Permanent beds for sustainable cropping

systems on rice farms Mr Geoff Beecher (02) 6951 2725 NSW Department of Primary

Industries 20

UCS-34A Waterfowl movements in agricultural and natural wetland landscapes

Prof Nicholas Klomp (02) 6051 9905 Charles Sturt University 21

Technology transfer & communications IRE-5A Quality rice production in South Eastern

Australia Ms Lucy Kealey (02) 6963 0815 Irrigation Research & Extension

Committee 22

IRE-6A Capacity building for a productive and sustainable rice farming system

Mr Peter Draper (02) 6960 1550 Irrigation Research & Extension Committee

23

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2.3 Rice Program

Research in Progress Varietal Improvement & Pure Seeds Maintenance Project Title: How does molecular architecture of starch determine viscosity of

rice? RIRDC Project No.

DAN-212A

Start Date 01/01/2003 Finish Date 30/06/2008 Researcher Dr Melissa Fitzgerald Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries

Private Mail Bag YANCO NSW 2703

Phone (02) 6951 2656 Fax (02) 6951 2719 Email [email protected]

Objectives

• Determine molecular structure of starches using techniques of synthetic polymer chemistry

• Determine how molecular structure of starch influences physical process during cooking

• Determine how molecular structure then influences some sensory properties of cooked rice and rice products

• Use a newly developed technique (by the PIs) to measure synthesis of the starch from the molecular weight distribution

• Determine the interactions between different structures of starch and different proteins and their role in cooking properties

• Define the parameters of the RVA curve using much more technically advanced equipment, and ‘calibrate’ the RVA curve using the new equipment.

Current Progress Molecular weight data is currently being collected on waxy rice varieties by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Analyses of hot water soluble (HWS) and insoluble (HWI) fractions by the new technique devised by the PIs have shown that high viscosity varieties have long amylopectin chains. These long chains were not detected in low viscosity varieties. The new technique has made analysis of longer chains possible. Further analysis of these results show slight differences in the kinetics of chain growth and stoppage of short chains, implying different enzyme activities. High viscosity varieties have less HWS, while low viscosity varieties have more. The amounts of HWS components, as detected by SEC, seem to be variety-specific. This suggests that HWS can be further developed into a tool that can evaluate different rice varieties into quality classes. Spectrophotometric tests have shown that these waxy varieties have some reaction with iodine, suggesting that some equivalent of amylose is present in small amounts in these waxy varieties. However, granule-bound starch synthase (the enzyme responsible for producing amylose) is not detected by SDS-PAGE, which suggests that some other enzyme (or an enzyme suite) is responsible for the production of long chains in waxy rice.

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Project Title: Rice improvement II RIRDC Project No.

DAN-220A

Start Date 01/07/2003 Finish Date 31/07/2008 Researcher Dr Russell Reinke Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries

Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB YANCO NSW 2703


Objectives • 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.

Current Progress The 2006/2007 rice season was significantly affected by the ongoing drought and

consequent lack of irrigation water. On-farm evaluation trials were reduced from 16 to five in total, with just two trials in the northern rice growing region and three in the south. The trial series encompassing the first stage of multi-environment testing at Deniliquin was abandoned two weeks after sowing due to lack of water. Consequently there are relatively few results to evaluate varietal performance of advanced breeding lines. There were three successful on-farm trials of advanced breeding lines, one trial of breeding lines in preliminary testing, and one late-sown trial of short-season breeding lines. Given the occurrence of a period low temperatures during microspore development, industry-wide yields remained high, although the newest variety Reiziq had lower yield than Amaroo this season. This was reflected in on-farm trials where Reiziq had greater yield than Amaroo at high-yielding sites (presumably unaffected by cold), but had lower yield than Amaroo at low-yielding sites. The breeding line YRM69 maintained yield levels across sites, consistent with its greater cold tolerance. Despite the water restrictions, a complete generation of the rice breeding program was conducted at Leeton Field Station, including production of breeders seed and pure seed of all commercial varieties except Doongara, and the advanced breeding lines. Harvest of the rice breeding program trial plots including hand harvest of panicle rows was completed by mid-June.

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Project Title: Rice grain quality 4 RIRDC Project No.

DAN-238A

Start Date 01/01/2005 Finish Date 31/12/2009 Researcher Dr Arun Aryan Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries

Yanco Agricultural Institute YANCO NSW 2703


Objectives • To continue to evaluate the quality of rice breeding lines and to improve the program

to evaluate quality attributes more precisely and accurately. • To conduct research into grain cracking, retrogradation, gloss of cooked rice, lipid-

amylose interactions, starch structure, rheology and fragrance, to understand physical and cooking quality of rice.

• To foster a strong and active collaboration between the Rice Improvement Program at Yanco and Cereal Chemistry and IRRI.

Current Progress There have been significant staff changes in this project in 2007. Dr Arun Aryan

completed his contract in March, and the cereal chemist position has been advertised internally within NSW DPI. Technical Officer Hannah Blackburn reduced her working hours to four days per week in late 2006, and resigned after a period of leave in May 2007. Consequently, the emphasis within the project has focused on evaluation of breeding lines. From the 2006 harvest a total of 4,886 samples were milled and analysed for the percentage whole grain remaining after milling, and physical grain traits such as chalkiness, colour and grain length and width. A total of 1,734 F3-derived F5 breeding lines were analysed for the molecular marker associated with amylose content and gelatinisation temperature by DSC. Small research projects carried out by Senior Technical Officer Margrit Martin include a long-term (21 months) storage trial of seven varieties under three temperature regimes, a glasshouse-based nutrition trial examining the effect of nitrogen application on grain quality, and an investigation into the effect of grinding particle size on measurement of gelatinisation temperature. The section also participated in an international project aimed at standardising the measurement of amylose.

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Project Title: Rice cold tolerance for yield stability and water-use efficiency RIRDC Project No.

DAN-243A

Start Date 01/07/2005 Finish Date 30/06/2010 Researcher: Dr Peter Snell Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries

Yanco Agricultural Research Institute Private Mail Bag YANCO NSW 2703


Objectives • 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 six 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.

Current Progress Of the 678 crosses done as part of the rice improvement program in 2006-2007, 65% were

for cold tolerance purposes with 44% being complex crosses (triple and backcrosses). Other glasshouse endeavours were the seed increase of 432 F1 populations, of which again around half were for cold tolerance purpose. These numbers are unprecedented in the history of the rice improvement program and represent throughput of more than triple the amount that was conventionally achieved. Seven field trials were sown over four sowing dates and two locations; RRAPL and LFS. The trials at RRAPL encountered eight cold events, six from ambient conditions under shallow water, and two from cold water produced from the deep dam set up for this purpose. Over 4,600 panicles were tagged allowing positive selection pressure for cold tolerance to be implemented for 35 F2-F3 populations and the benchmarking of 75 homozygous lines including standards. Sterilities are still being processed but already there is a clear differentiation between tolerant (80% fertile) and sensitive (50% fertile) lines. Seed increase at LFS and the early sown trial at RRAPL were decimated by ducks close to harvest slowing the progress of this material by a generation. Further international sources of cold tolerance were obtained this year with material from China (Longdao3, Longdao5 ) coming from collaborators in the December ACIAR workshop, and highland cold tolerant varieties (Lon Thar Hmwe and Pandan wangi) resulting from a recent trip undertaken by Russell Ford to Myanmar and Indonesia. In addition to cold tolerant evaluation, an aerobic rice trial was sown at RRAPL this season in an attempt to identify germplasm variation in yield under minimal irrigation. The results will be presented in August.

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Project Title: Biotechnology approach for precision-breeding of cold-tolerant rice RIRDC Project No.

US-145A

Start Date 01-Oct-2006 Finish Date 30-Sep-2009 Researcher: Dr Norman Darvey Organisation The University of Sydney Phone (02) 9351 8828 Fax (02) 9351 8875 Email [email protected] Objectives • 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.

• Phenotyping of DH and RIL populations for cold tolerance. • Improvement of microspore culture system for the production of DH lines for

breeding. • 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.

• 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.

• Potential R31 and R32 cold tolerance markers will be verified in the other cold tolerant lines.

• DH, RIL populations, and molecular markers for cold tolerance will be provided to the rice breeders in Yanco.

• Establishment of microspore culture based DH production system for rice breeding. Current Progress The project team met at Cobbitty in June to discuss progress (Dr. Zhao, Dr. Dolferus and

myself). The rapid generation turnover (Single Seed Descent) populations involving the cold tolerant Chinese lines, R31 and R32 were progressing well and moving into the F4 generation, following which Dr. Dolferus will test them for cold tolerance with molecular markers. Other populations involving the newer Australian cultivar Rizik were responsive to microspore culture, and thus double haploid populations are being developed. After Dr. Zhao left for China on the long weekend, one hydroponic system broke down, and a number of plants were irreparably damaged when inspected on the following Tuesday. This will delay the rapid cycling of this population, which will be resown with reserve seed. Dr. Zhao will return to Australia around 12 July, but will have had important collaborative discussions re cold tolerance of rice with colleagues in China.

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Project Title: Developing high quality cold tolerant rice varieties using molecular

markers RIRDC Project No.

USC-10A

Start Date 01-Jul-2006 Finish Date 31-July-2009 Researcher: Dr Daniel Waters Organisation Southern Cross University Phone (02) 6620 3443 Fax (02) 6622 2080 Email [email protected] Objectives • To identify regions of the rice genome which control tolerance to cold at the

microspore stage of pollen development by applying QTL analysis to M103/Doongara and Doongara/R32 doubled haploid populations that are segregating for cold tolerance. Additional populations will be analysed as they become available. Molecular markers for these genomic regions will be generated and supplied to the breeding program.

Current Progress DArT molecular marker data derived from a sub-set of individuals from within the double haploid M103/Doongara population found a high proportion (around 25%) of DArT alleles that were not present in either of the parents (M103 [cold tolerant] and Doongara [cold sensitive]). This indicates that the doubled haploid population was not derived from a cross of M103 and Doongara. That aside, DNA has been extracted from the entire population and submitted for DArT analysis. A number of these assays failed due to poor quality DNA, and samples are being re-grown to provide a source of high-quality DNA. Cold tolerance screening was carried out at Yanco on 36 entries selected for a degree of agronomic acceptability. In total, 6 of the lines had equivalent or better cold tolerance than M103, 24 lines were intermediate between Doongara and M103, and the remainder were more susceptible than Doongara. The Doongara/R32 doubled haploid population is not yet available from the University of Sydney. Other early generation populations from the rice breeding program which have been tested for cold tolerance using modified sowing times will be made available for genotyping in the near future.

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Agronomy/Crop Physiology Project Title:

Continuing on-farm yield improvement based on agronomy, crop modelling and rice physiology

RIRDC Project No.

DAN-207A

Start Date 01/07/2002 Finish Date 30/12/2007 Researcher Dr Ranjith Subasinghe Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries


Phone (02) 6951 2679 Fax (02) 6955 7580 Email [email protected] Objectives

• Developing screening techniques for rapid early growth, high harvest index and high

radiation use efficiency and introducing these characters from introduced varieties into locally adapted lines.

• Extending optimal management options, recently developed for Amaroo, to a range of varieties with special emphasis on nitrogen management.

Current Progress Version 6.3 of “MANAGE RICE” was released to growers during the year. This version

contains three new features: (1) Growers’ toolkit, a collection of documents and links from NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sunrice and the Ricegrowers’ Association (2) Images of weeds of rice as a separate section in the Rice Diagnostics section (3) A time-of-sowing calculator that displays predicted yield in relation to sowing date for each year of historical record. This version incorporated last year’s trial results and made corrections to a few errors in the program. A field trial was conducted in Jerilderie to compare the effect of timing and rate of N application in conventionally irrigated crops and in mid-season drained crops with emphasis on comparing nitrogen use efficiencies under two systems and to ascertain the appropriate stage of plant sampling to assess nitrogen status of mid-season drained crops. A glasshouse experiment was conducted in the headhouse at Yanco at different temperature regimes and seven nitrogen levels to determine the effect of nitrogen on cold damage during the reproductive stage. A field experiment at Jerilderie resulted in lower yields due to poor establishment. Nevertheless, results indicated that split application of 2/3rd N at pre-flood and 1/3rd just before re-irrigation is beneficial in bays with mid-season dry down. In bays with continuous flooding, the best yields were observed when top dressing was carried out at panicle initiation. Results of the glasshouse experiment indicated that the temperature regimes imposed were effective in inducing the cold damage in cold susceptible varieties and could be used to screen cultivars for cold tolerance. However, no conclusion could be made yet as sample and data collection and analysis are being continued.

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Project Title: Understanding, quantifying and managing spatial variability of rice

growth and yield RIRDC Project No.

DAN-248A

Start Date 01-Aug-2006 Finish Date 31-July-2009 Researcher Mr Geoff Beecher Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries 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 of crop 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.

Current Progress Despite initiating field experiments in five fields, the reduced availability of irrigation

water due to drought curtailed experiments with one field not being sown and two fields being partially dewatered during the growing season. All fields were EM31 surveyed and soil sampled to 20cm in 10cm increments for nutrient analysis. Across the remaining 4 fields, 21-50 sites were monitored through the growing season for plant establishment, water depth and salinity. Air and water temperature and water depth were continuously monitored at selected sites. Plant sampling was undertaken at all sites for PI dry matter accumulation and nitrogen content, total dry matter, grain yield and grain and stem nutrient analysis and floret sterility. Grain samples have been collected, and stored for milling analysis. Relationships between readily available existing information – cut and fill maps from landforming operations and electromagnetic conductivity (EM) mapping and crop growth and yield are being explored. Preliminary analysis of yield and soil data from a recently landformed field shows the strong influence of “cut” on lowering yield. In another field where landforming occurred some eight years ago, the influence of “cut and fill” is not apparent. However, a trend for decreasing yield with increasing EM values occurs. Relationships with grower yield mapping from 2006/07 will be investigated. Due to the low water allocations and associated small area of rice planting in 2006 the use of the airborne Hymap remote sensing platform was not viable and although satellite data from the Hyperion sensor was sought such data was not available from the EO-1 satellite borne Hyperion sensor during 2006/7. Peter Evans commenced in the Technical Officer position on 7th May 2007. A Bruker FT-NIR machine was purchased by Sunrice and located at YAI. Scanning of existing samples (from calibration data set) for comparison with the existing NIRS 6500 instrument has been undertaken, Starch analysis of 2005/06 and 2006/07 rice sample subsets for NIR calibration through the existing and new NIR instruments has also been undertaken.

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Project Title:

Developing management options to mitigate the straighthead occurrence in rice

RIRDC Project No.

DAN-249A

Start Date 01-Jul-2006 Finish Date 30-Nov-2007 Researcher Dr Ranjith Subasinghe Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone (02) 6951 2679 Fax (02) 6955 7580 Email [email protected] Objectives

• To develop a screening tool which will enable breeders to induce straighthead, on

demand, when evaluating new rice genotypes for straighthead tolerance under glasshouse conditions.

Current Progress A glasshouse experiment was conducted in a polyhouse at Yanco in plastic tubs (30 x 30 x

35 cm ) filled with 13.5 kg of red soil using 4 cultivars (Doongara, Jefferson, Amaroo, Reiziq). A total of 22 treatments consisting of a control, a liquid parapin layer on water, and five types of stubble (rice, wheat, barley, canola and pasture) at four levels of incorporation (5, 10, 20, 25 t ha-1) are being evaluated for straighthead inducement. Results show that rice, wheat and barley straws can effectively induce straighthead symptoms in susceptible varieties and the method could be successfully used in screening programs for straighthead tolerance in rice. A conclusion will be made after sample and data analyses are completed.

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Crop Protection Project Title: Weed management in Australian rice production RIRDC Project No.

AGR-9A

Start Date 01-Jun-2006 Finish Date 30-Jun-2008 Researcher Mr Malcolm Taylor Organisation Agropraisals Pty Ltd Phone (03) 5872 2892 Fax (03) 5872 2838 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.

Current Progress Nine replicated field trials were conducted during the 2006/07 season in water-seeded medium grain rice to evaluate the efficacy and crop safety of four experimental herbicides (coded AGR-601, AGR-602, AGR-603 and AGR-604). AGR-601 (HRAC group G) demonstrated insufficient crop safety to water seeded when applied 0-2 leaf stage, whilst efficacy against aquatic broadleaf weeds was poor. AGR-602 (HRAC group unknown) was combined with AGR-601 to broaden weed spectrum and act as a crop safener. No crop safening was observed to 0-2 leaf rice, nor was there a discernible improvement in weed control efficacy. AGR-603 (HRAC group unknown) was targeted at grass weeds at the 0-2 leaf stage of rice development. Crop safety was marginal at 1500-3000 gai/ha, whilst barnyard grass was controlled at >500 gai/ha. Combinations of AGR-603 plus benzofenap provided an adequate margin of rice tolerance and effective control of grass, sedge and broadleaf weeds. Differences in field performance of alternate AGR-603 formulations warrant investigations to optimise efficacy. AGR-604 (HRAC Group G) was targeted at sedge and broadleaf aquatic weeds. Crop safety was acceptable when applied at 200-400 gai/ha to rice at the 2-4 leaf stage of development. Earlier applications proved excessively phytotoxic to water seeded rice.

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Project Title: Management and ecology of key rice pests RIRDC Project No.

DAN-240A

Start Date 01/07/2005 Finish Date 31/07/2008 Researcher Dr Mark Stevens Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries

Yanco Agricultural Institute Private Mail Bag YANCO NSW 2703


Objectives

• To complete small-scale evaluation of niclosamide and new chlorothalonil

formulations for snail control in rice. • To develop new DNA-based techniques to determine which species of bloodworm

attack rice during later crop establishment. • To complete small-scale evaluation of imidacloprid as a seed treatment for bloodworm

control.

Current Progress Work on alternative chlorothalonil formulations has been completed, and their strong adsorbtion to some soils indicates they are not viable alternatives to copper sulphate. Residue analysis of grain and forage from the 2005/06 niclosamide trial has been repeated to overcome inconsistencies in the initial analyses, and no residues of parent compound or major metabolites were found. Two primer sets have been selected for use in bloodworm feeding study, and both DNA extraction and PCR protocols have been optimised. Data collection is now underway and the primer set based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene is successfully amplifying rice DNA from rice-fed bloodworms. Sample analysis from a replicated bloodworm seed treatment trial conducted during the 2006/07 season has been completed, but has provided inconclusive results. Relatively poor bloodworm colonisation early in the trial resulted in poor differentiation between the treatments (2 rates of imidacloprid, a fipronil (Cosmos®) standard, and an untreated control). A two year stink bug survey was completed in March 2007, with almost six times as many bugs collected per crop than in the previous year. Anaxilaus vesiculosus, not previously known to feed on rice, accounted for over 80% of captures. Laboratory studies have shown that this species can complete its entire life cycle on rice crops.

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Sustainable Farming Systems Project Title: Rapid response screening tools for minimising off-site impact of rice

pesticides RIRDC Project No.

CSL-27A

Start Date 01-Sep-2006 Finish Date 31-Aug-2009 Researcher Dr Rai Kookana Organisation CSIRO Land and Water Phone (08) 8303 8450 Fax (08) 8303 8565 Email [email protected] Objectives To develop rapid response tools to allow integrated pesticide management strategies

leading to the environmental sustainability of rice-farming systems. This will be achieved by: • Developing cost-effective, rapid assessment tools for pesticide detection in the

drainage water using a biomarker approach. • Conducting chemical and toxiocological assessment of sediment associated pesticides

in the drainage channels. • Enhancing the "clean and green" image of rice production systems through linkages

with the Environmental Champions Program. Current Progress We brought project stakeholders together on the 18 October 2006 to identify the current

and future issues/needs with respect to pesticide monitoring programmes. The workshop highlighted the significant changes that have occurred over the last decade in pesticide use patterns, chemical management, application methods, crop management, water supply infrastructure and climate and pesticide analysis costs, and called for optimisation of water monitoring programmes. In this exceptionally dry year we focussed on bioassay aspects and improved the utility of ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assays) by addressing some deficiencies identified by stakeholders. Molinate ELISA kits were calibrated using drainage water samples ranging in salinity and turbidity. We noted that molinate concentrations in drainage water were over-estimated when compared with the standards provided with the kits. The effect seemed to be more closely related to turbidity than salinity. Therefore, a correction factor needs to be applied when using these kits for drainage water monitoring. A chronic toxicity test was developed for use with Chironomus tepperi. An optimal feeding rate was determined to maximise larval development whilst avoiding the contamination that can result from the decay of excess food. Tests have shown that initiating bioassays with eggs (rather than first-instar larvae) provides equivalent emergence success from uncontaminated sediments. Field samples from drainage systems in the Coleambally area are currently being analysed.

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Project Title: Reconciling farming with wildlife: monitoring vertebrate biodiversity

in the Riverina rice fields RIRDC Project No.

UCA-11A

Start Date 01/01/2006 Finish Date 31/12/2008 Researcher Dr Sean Doody Organisation University of Canberra

Applied Ecology Research Group BELCONNEN ACT 2601


Objectives

• To adaptively manage and promote existing on-farm vertebrate biodiversity through farm experiments, to support the establishment of guidelines for the improvement of on-farm biodiversity within the rice industry’s Environmental Champions Program (ECP)

• To conduct research and monitoring of selected vertebrate groups in the above

experiments to demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the ECP’s on-farm management program for vertebrate biodiversity

• To conduct ecological research (e.g. understand habitat utilisation on rice farms or the

farming matrix) on selected, significant vertebrate species to facilitate on-farm management decisions

Current Progress

We are currently monitoring selected vertebrate species in 14 revegetated and control sites (i.e. those that represent revegetated sites prior to planting) on seven ECP farms in order to evaluate the effectiveness of revegetation efforts in terms of increasing vertebrate biodiversity. We are using the following monitoring techniques: Coverboard arrays to monitor the presence and abundance of snakes, small lizards and frogs. Time-constrained searches to document the presence and to calculate indices of abundance of reptile and frog species. Standardised seasonal bird counts to assess changes in the bird fauna in the revegetated areas. Plus, seasonal frog call counts to determine the species present and to calculate an index of abundance based on calling intensity. We are also conducting research to (1) estimate the abundance of frogs on rice farms and (2) study their dietary habits in order to determine if they eat rice pests and contribute to pest control. Russell Ford at Old Coree has created experimental rice bays for this research and Sarah Ross, a student at the University of Canberra, is analysing the data for her Honour’s research. We did a poster presentation at the Rice Field Day 2007 that described this project.

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Technology Transfer & Communications Project Title: Extension for improving rice yields and water use efficiency RIRDC Project No.

DAN-236A

Start Date 01/10/2004 Finish Date 31/07/2007 Researcher: Mr John Lacy Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries



Objectives

• To increase rice yields and water use efficiency by 5%. This will be achieved by

improving adoption of the early pollen microspore water depth key check by 20%, establishment by 20%, adoption of the nitrogen uptake check by 20% and crop uniformity by 15%.

• To assist with the achievement of targets in the environmental champions program.

Current Progress Yield was 13% higher than the 10 year average. Good establishment and favourable seasonal temperatures helped lift yields. Water productivity estimated at 0.7t/Ml for the MIA was 5% below the 10 year average because of high water use.

Adoption of the plant number check increased by 11% and nitrogen uptake by 16%. Microspore water adoption fell by 9% because of uncertain irrigation supply and high evaporation. The 2006 Ricecheck Recommendations, Rice Crop Protection and Variety Guide and MaNage rice CD were updated and sent to every grower. The number of discussion groups was the same number as the drought affected 2004/05 season of 27 groups.

Attendance at the seven rice pre-season meetings of 365 topics included variety update, nitrogen results, MaNage rice, pesticide in drains awareness and low risk profitable strategies.

The rice field day held at RAPPL with half day format attracted 120 people. The frog and aerobic topics contributed to it being one of the best ever field days.

The pilot and retail agronomist update attracted 75 participants.

The area of crops aerial imaged for targeting sampling for the NIR test was about 40 %.

No data was input into the Ricecheck database as the new Technical Officer was still being trained in its use.

15

Project Title: Maintaining and enhancing collaboration and linkages with

organisations and personnel involved in rice research RIRDC Project No.

RGA-3A

Start Date 01-Jul-2006 Finish Date 30-Jun-2007 Researcher: Dr Laurie Lewin Organisation Rice Growers' Association of Australia Phone (02) 6955 2205 Fax Email [email protected] Objectives

• To maintain collaborative relationships developed in the Rice CRC, to compile a

compendium of related research and to participate in steering committees as directed by the Rice R&D Advisory Committee.

Background With the termination of the CRC, there were many organizations and groups with

important links to the rice industry that would no longer have direct funding links. This project was funded to ensure that the links were maintained where possible and that opportunities for further collaboration were explored. It was also considered that there may be a need for some involvement in project development for RIRDC, particularly where the projects had some links to past work of the CRC.

Research Tasks under this project included: • Contributions to Chapters 3,6 and 7 of “Production of Quality Rice in South

Eastern Australia”. • Linkages with past CRC researchers. This particularly involved those working on

cold tolerance and included a contribution to the cold tolerance workshop (RGA-4A).

• Participation in RIRDC reviews of rice extension and cereal chemistry research. • Assistance with development of RIRDC projects on remote sensing/NIR and

weed research. • Liaison with Principal Investigators for RIRDC projects on Rice Physiology, Rice

Improvement and Cereal Chemistry.

Outcomes Outcomes from the project included: • Assistance with completion of “Production of Quality Rice in South Eastern

Australia”. • An effective cold tolerance research program and a successful cold tolerance

workshop in December 2006. • The Rice extension review was completed and recommendations made to the

RIRDC Rice Research and Development Committee. The Cereal Chemistry review is on-going.

A long and protracted negotiation saw the development of a project combining aspects of remote sensing and the use of NIR for nutrient decisions. A successful weeds project was negotiated.

Implications With the very limited resources for rice research as a consequence of the drought, it is imperative that resources be used as efficiently as possible while the skills developed in the Rice CRC not be lost. This project has enabled these objectives to be fulfilled.

Publications Contributions to ““Production of Quality Rice in South Eastern Australia”.

16

2.3 Rice Program

Completed Projects Varietal Improvement & Pure Seeds Maintenance Project Title: Improvement of rice breeding by biotechnology approach RIRDC Project No.

US-143A

Researcher: Dr Norman Darvey Organisation The University of Sydney

Plant Breeding Institute - Cobbity PMB 11 CAMDEN NSW 2570


• Provide double haploid plants as a service to rice breeders. • Provide breeders with DH populations containing cold tolerance characteristics. • Apply microspore culture to replace anther culture for large scale production of DH

plants. • Produce DH lines which reduce water use or increase water use efficiency within the

rice industry.

Background Within the previous project from the Rice-CRC, we carried out research on the use of biotechnology to improve rice breeding, with particular reference to cold tolerance breeding. An isolated microspore culture technique has been developed to produce double haploid plants (true – breeding plants) from hybrids F1s. This technology only takes one generation to produce true breeding progenies, something that would take six to eight generations using conventional plant breeding techniques. The current work was carried out with a view to improving plant regeneration from this system so as to make it work efficiently for medium to large scale double haploid plant production. To improve cold tolerance of Australian rice varieties, several cold tolerant varieties have been introduced to Australia from China. Some of these varieties are native to high altitude regions, where average daily temperature and minimum temperature is much lower than that in the Australian rice growing region. These varieties have been used in crosses with commercial Australian varieties.

Research A two-step induction culture procedure demonstrated improved plant regeneration in the microspore culture system. Some doubled haploid plants have been produced by this technology. More crosses have been made between Australian commercial varieties and Chinese cold tolerant varieties. Some cold tolerant plants have been selected from previous crosses and backcrosses to Australian parents. Production of double haploid plants from these crosses and backcrosses are underway with a view to cold tolerance breeding and development of molecular markers for cold tolerance selection.

Outcomes • Improved technology for double haploid plant production. • Improvement of cold tolerance in Australian varieties.

Implications • Isolated microspore culture should produce double haploid plants on a medium to large scale for rice breeding within three to five years.

• Cold tolerant germplasm introduced from Yunnan, China holds great potential for improvement of cold tolerance in Australian rice varieties.

Publications

17

Project Title: New markers for Australian rice improvement RIRDC Project No.

USC-6A

Researcher: Professor Robert Henry Organisation Southern Cross University,

Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics Faculty of Resource Science and Management


• To produce molecular markers for implementation in rice breeding for the selection

of improved rice germplasm by 2006.

Background Molecular markers are pieces of DNA that flag the presence or absence of particular traits allowing selection to be undertaken on the basis of a simple laboratory test. In comparison with direct measurement of traits, these tests offer several advantages including being free from the confounding affects of the environment, a single platform test for multiple traits and early generation testing, often before the trait can be measured by other means. The objectives of this project were to identify, adapt and evaluate molecular markers for use in the Australian rice breeding program.

Research The research involved the evaluation of germplasm and development of markers for the major fragrance gene (fgr), rice starch gelatinisation temperature, blast disease resistance and hybrid rice.

Outcomes A competitive allele specific PCR assay for the polymorphism that is responsible for rice fragrance was developed and accurately predicted the fragrance status of each of the individuals within a population of plants derived from a cross of fragrant and non-fragrant parents. The assay can be used to detect heterozygous individuals and mixed populations. The temperature at which rice starch gelatinises is an important component of rice eating quality. Sequence analysis of 70 rice varieties that differed by starch gelatinisation temperature (GT) allowed identification of DNA differences which led to amino acid changes that were associated with two statistically significant GT classes. A competitive allele specific PCR assay was developed for this trait. The markers detect all possible genotypes which impact upon GT. After molecular analysis of candidate varieties, rice varieties BL14 and BL24 were found to carry blast resistance genes which are well characterised at the molecular level and hence allow accurate application of molecular marker technology. On the basis of this finding, varieties BL14 and BL24 were chosen as donors of resistance in a pre-emptive breeding program for blast disease resistance. The laboratory test that distinguishes between hybrid A and B lines was checked and found to work with 12 hybrid rice lines imported from China

Implications Molecular markers for three important traits in rice, fragrance, GT and blast resistance, are available for use in the Australian rice breeding program.

Publications Bradbury, L.M.T., Henry, R.J., Jin, Q., Reinke, R.F. and Waters, D.L.E. (2005) A perfect marker for fragrance genotyping in rice. Molecular Breeding. 16(4):279-283. Waters, D.L.E., Henry, R.J., Reinke, R.F. and Fitzgerald, M.A. (2006) Gelatinization temperature of rice explained by polymorphisms in starch synthase. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 4:115–122.

18

Crop Nutrition Project Title: NIR to enhance precision crop management RIRDC Project No.

DAN-222A

Researcher: Dr Alison Bowman Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries

Wagga Wagga Agricultural Research Institute Private Mail Bag WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650.

Phone 02 6938 1999 Fax 02 6938 1809 Email [email protected] Objectives

• An evaluation of the potential of available airborne scanning NIR sensors to

determine variations in dry matter and shoot composition (eg nitrogen and starch) across rice crops.

• An understanding of the limitations of fresh tissue analysis by airborne NIR sensors • Calibrations for nutrients in fresh rice tissue for use in interpreting data obtained

from airborne NIR sensors. • A basis on which to keep the Tissue Testing Service in line with the latest

technology.

Background This project investigated the potential of combining the precision of the NIR Rice Tissue Test with the sampling ease and overall “picture” provided by remote sensing imagery. Current remote sensing used in the rice industry produces a map distinguishing areas of differing vegetative growth, which can aid in determining where to take samples for NIR analysis but it is not a direct measurement of plant nutrients.

Research Remote sensing techniques were investigated to assess their potential to remotely determine plant nitrogen status.

Outcomes Strong correlations were developed for the remote assessment of % of nitrogen and nitrogen uptake in rice crops by satellite sensors.

Implications The future use of remotely sensing the nutrient status of rice crops will depend on: the continued availability of suitable sensors, the development of timely protocols for the delivery of data and the continual improvement of calibrations.

Publications

19

Crop Protection Project Title: Terminated. RIRDC Project No.

AGR-8A

Researcher: Organisation Phone Fax Email Objectives Background Research Outcomes Implications Publications

20

Sustainable farming systems Project Title: Permanent beds for sustainable cropping systems on rice farms RIRDC Project No.

DAN-201A

Researcher: Mr Geoff Beecher Organisation NSW Department of Primary Industries Phone (02) 6951 2725 Fax (02) 6955 7580 Email [email protected] Objectives

• To increase the sustainability, resource use efficiency, yield and profitability of rice

based cropping systems through improved soil, water and nutrient management using permanent beds.

Background To remain profitable and environmentally sustainable farmers need to be able to readily

respond to market opportunities, increase productivity, increase water use efficiency and manage watertables (and thereby soil salinisation and drainage water salinity). Switching to a permanent bed system may offer advantages including increased cropping flexibility, higher crop yields of crops traditionally grown on the flat in rotation with rice, increased opportunity of double-cropping, reduced cost of earthworks (the same layout being used for all crops) and better disease, weed and pest control through increased rotation possibilities. Our hypothesis was that increases in profitability, water use efficiency, sustainability, and ease of management, can be achieved through changing from cropping systems where rice is grown on the flat to permanent bed cropping systems.

Research The research evaluated the performance of several rice based summer and winter crop sequences on conventional flat, permanent raised beds and sub surface drip irrigated permanent bed irrigation layouts.

Outcomes It is concluded that the growth and yield performance of rice on raised beds was equal to that achieved on conventional flat layouts. This is dependant on the application of deep water conditions being maintained through early pollen microspore for protection of the rice crop from cold temperature induced sterility for all layouts. The performance of winter crops (barley, wheat) on beds was generally adequate although delayed sowing following rice crops and limited access to irrigation water in early spring has possibly constrained yield outcomes compared to single season crops. Dry climatic conditions during the trial period meant that advantages of raised beds (eg reduction in waterlogging) were not expressed for winter crops. Soybeans performed well using surface/furrow or subsurface drip irrigation.

Implications The ongoing adoption of terraced zero graded bankless channel rice layouts, including raised beds, appears likely given the increased cropping choice and flexibility and the significantly reduced labour requirement made possible by this type of layout. The adoption of these layouts will be constrained to locations where existing land grades allow creation of zero graded layouts with appropriate terrace widths (landforming costs not being excessive) and steps to allow adequate drainage to where access to large irrigation flows are available in order to achieve satisfactory short duration water on/water off times for crops other than rice.

Publications H. G. Beecher, B. W. Dunn, J. A. Thompson, E. Humphreys, S. K. Mathews and J. Timsina (2006) Effect of raised beds, irrigation and nitrogen management on growth, water use and yield of rice in south-eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46(10) 1363–1372. Geoff Beecher, Brian Dunn, Shayne Mathews, John Thompson, Rajinder Pal Singh, Liz Humphreys, Jagadish Timsina, Kieran O’Keefe & Daniel Johnston (2006). Permanent lateral beds in bays for sustainable cropping systems on rice farms. IREC Farmers Newsletter Large Area no. 174 Summer 2006-07 pp.4-8.

21

Project Title: Waterfowl movements in agricultural and natural wetland landscapes RIRDC Project No.

UCS-34A

Researcher: Professor Nicholas Klomp Organisation Charles Sturt University Phone (02) 6051 9905 Fax (02) 6051 9897 Email [email protected] Objectives

• To determine the movement responses of waterbirds to changes in wetland availability

and analyse interactions with landscape structure at local and regional scales in the rice-growing region of New South Wales and at broad scales across inland Australia so that predictions may be made about likely damage to rice crops.

Background Waterfowl damage to rice crops is a significant problem for the rice industry worldwide.

The management and conservation of waterfowl requires an explicit understanding of the broad scale movements of waterfowl and patterns of habitat utilisation at local and regional scales.

Research This project examined long-distance movements of tagged grey teal (Anas gracilis) and the relationship between those movements and environmental cues such as heavy rainfall and/or flooding. Twenty three birds were tracked for up to 879 days using satellite telemetry.

Outcomes Tagged birds moved large distances (up to 978 km) between occupied sites in a short period (hours), remained in the vicinity of those sites for extended periods (months), ventured up to 900 km from their point of release and travelled more than 4000 km in one year. The rate of movement was at times extraordinary with average speeds up to 99 kph for extended periods. The context of movement for individual birds differed with some moving to small wetlands in regions of little water and others responding precisely to large rainfall and/or flooding events hundreds of kilometres distant. The data suggest that nomadic waterfowl respond to multiple cues for movement, that some cues operate over hundreds of kilometres, that not all cues are related to contemporary weather patterns and that spatial memory plays a role in navigation over large distances.

Implications For individual rice growers the turnover within local populations of waterfowl is likely to be high, making efforts to mitigate adverse effects temporary and strategies such as decoy cropping likely to be ineffective because any resource is within reach of the whole of the population within the basin for however long those resources are available.

Publications Roshier DA, M Asmus and M Klaassen. What drives long-distance movements in nomadic Australian grey teal Anas gracilis? Ibis (in review)

Roshier DA, V Doerr and E Doerr. Animal movement in dynamic landscapes: interaction between behavioural strategies and resource distributions Oecologia (in review)

Roshier DA, NI Klomp and M Asmus (2006). Movements of a nomadic waterfowl, Grey Teal Anas gracilis, across inland Australia—results from satellite telemetry spanning 15 months. Ardea 94, 461—475

Tracey JP, R Woods, D Roshier, P West and GR Saunders (2004). The role of wild birds in the transmission of avian influenza for Australia: an ecological perspective. Emu 104, 109–124

22

Technology transfer & communications Project Title: Quality rice production in South Eastern Australia RIRDC Project No.

IRE-5A

Researcher: Ms Lucy Kealey Organisation Irrigation Research & Extension Committee Phone (02) 6963 0815 Fax (02) 6964 0517 Email [email protected] Objectives

• To improve the profitability and sustainability of rice growing and the rice industry in

NSW by producing a technical reference publication "Ricegrowing in New South Wales" for ricegrowers and industry service personnel.

Background A reference publication, Rice Growing in New South Wales, was produced in 1984. Over

the subsequent 15–20 years many new technologies were developed and new practices adopted in the light of the changing rice growing environment. A new project was funded to completely revise and significantly rewrite and build upon the information in Rice Growing in New South Wales.

Research A new publication was planned, based on revision of the previous rice publication and with additions of new chapters and information relevant to the rice industry in the early 2000s. Experts from NSW DPI, Charles Sturt University and CSIRO, and rice growers, authored and reviewed each chapter.

Outcomes The resulting publication Production of Quality Rice in South Eastern Australia provides rice growers and the rice industry with the most up-to-date information, as well as a comprehensive grounding in the principles of rice growing. The publication is presented as a series of 18 booklets, which are stored in a ring binder.

Implications The publication provides a source of reference material for rice growers that is easy to read and understand, providing information that helps the rice grower better understand the rice growing systems and the principles behind rice growing practices. The publication has resulted in a large body of information that could be adapted to electronic formats, or could be broken down into small sections for inclusion in other extension programs.

Publications Production of Quality Rice in South Eastern Australia (2000) eds. LM Kealey and WS Clampett. Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

23

Project Title: Capacity building for a productive and sustainable rice farming

system RIRDC Project No.

IRE-6A

Researcher: Mr Peter Draper Organisation Irrigation Research & Extension Committee Phone (02) 6960 1550 Fax (02) 6960 1600 Email [email protected] Objectives

• To provide mechanisms to build the capacity of rice growers (including the transfer of

technology) for the rice R&D program which will lead to more profitable and sustainable rice and general irrigation farming systems in southern New South Wales.

Background The rice industry in southern NSW and northern Victoria has a farm gate value of over

$300 million per annum generating a further $500 million per annum. Rice is the major irrigated broadacre crop and in most cases represents the majority of farm income for individual rice growers. It is therefore essential that the rice farming system operates at optimum productive efficiency and in an environmentally sustainable manner. This project aims to ensure that the results of the extensive rice R&D program (including the CRC for Sustainable Rice Production) are firstly informed and enriched by the growers themselves and incorporated into best management practices and adopted by rice growers and other irrigators as soon as possible. The project aimed to increase the likelihood of this adoption by building the capacity of rice growers through communication of information and interactive exposure to new technology and practice.

Research The IREC Executive Committee in conjunction with the RIRDC Rice Research and Development Committee (in particular the Committee’s Sustainability/Extension Liaison Group) and NSW Agriculture, expanded the existing successful technology transfer program, focusing on capacity building for rice farmers using a range of mediums and techniques. The core of the program including pre-season and special rice grower meetings; rice grower discussion groups; written material, e.g. Farmers’ Newsletter and the Ricecheck manual; field days will remain. In response to the changing information needs of rice growers, the program will also included an internet-based e-mail service.

Outcomes This project delivered: • Pre-season rice technology meetings in all rice producing districts; • Rice discussion groups throughout the production season; • A major rice field day each season; • Three editions of the Farmers’ Newsletter each year; • Two annual Irrigated Farm Competitions to improve water use efficiency; • Regular planning and review meetings to ensure the relevance of irrigation R&D; Interactive Internet/e-mail service

Implications This project has assisted with the extension or important information to the rice industry grower base through a range of mechanisms and agencies. While drought has curtailed production in recent years and the number of growers is declining, it is important to maintain strong extension and delivery mechanisms. It is clear that when water resource availability returns to normal, there will be a large rise in rice production and growers will continue to demand up to date information about the best practices relating to their industry, and to the whole of the rice farming system.

Publications Three editions of the Farmers’ Newsletter each year.

rice r&d projects completed in 2006-2007 and research in … · iii foreword this year rirdc has...

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