Rice Farming May 2024

Photo by Cassidy Nemec

From The Editor

Walking in Between

There’s a song I listen to every now and then with the lyrics “life is not the mountaintops; it’s the walking in between.” I really like that metaphor this time of year. It seems like the “in between” time where we aren’t necessarily running the same way we would during planting and harvest times. I think it’s nice to remember that the seemingly mundane day-to-day is where a lot of life — whether that be through impactful research, scouting, or even just brainstorming the next project or season — can really happen.

Cassidy Nemec Editor

This month’s cover story follows Jeff Rutledge, a northwestern Arkansas rice farmer who has, over time, put a large percentage of his land in row rice: “I started doing that about eight years ago,” he said. “We’ve steadily increased the acreage each year to be 75% to 80% of our rice acreage now. We put it everywhere it fits.” Read more about Rutledge and his operation on pages 12 and 13.

Page 14 discusses the new Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool, or FRST, that has come from an extensive cohort consisting of researchers from nearly 50 universities throughout the United States: The new tool represents a significant advancement in soil testing for phosphorus and potassium and nutrient management that uses data from across the U.S. Researchers hope the tool’s precise soil test calibration might one day contribute to significant annual savings for farmers across the country while also reducing excess nutrient losses to the environment.

This “in between” may also provide some time to catch up on all the latest updates in the law and policy scope of agriculture. One recent example comes from a final rule put in place by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services dealing with voluntary Endangered Species Act programs: For landowners, the agreements provide assurances that so long as the landowner carries out the agreed upon conservation measures, they will not be expected to carry out any future conservation activities. This is particularly helpful for landowners who are aware that a candidate species is located on or near their property and would like to avoid unforeseen ESA restrictions should the species become listed. This may not be relevant to your operation, but there are so many more legal updates coming down the pipeline, it might be worth reading into some.

Overall, I hope we can all see there is something meaningful in each day and be reminded of the beauty of the little things in life and progress that can come from taking life day by day. I believe taking small, faithful steps can prove so much more beneficial over time than we can imagine at the current moment, so keep walking!

Don’t forget about the open nomination period for the 2024 Rice Awards and 2024 Rice Consultant of the Year. The deadline is July 15 for both. Visit www. ricefarming.com/ra and www.ricefarming.com/rcoy for more information and to nominate someone deserving today.

I hope everyone has a great summer!

Send comments to: Editor, Rice Farming Magazine, 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017 or email cnemec@onegrower.com.

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2024 Rice Awards Nomination Form

The Rice Farmer of the Year, Rice Industry Award and Rice Lifetime Achievement Award recognize those rice leaders who have demonstrated dedication, determination and innovation to the industry. We need your help to identify candidates who are worthy of these prestigious awards. Please take time to consider which industry members in your area should be recipients of these honors and mail or scan/email this form and supporting materials or go to ricefarming.com/ra to nominate online.

Categories:

Please check the box of the appropriate award category:

 Rice Farmer of the Year Award

■ Must farm at least 200 acres.

■ A farmer who has successfully achieved goals in his/her farming operation, rice industry association, community leadership/development, innovative production practices and/or environmental stewardship.

 Rice Industry Award

■ Has been in the rice industry for more than five years.

■ A researcher, Extension person, government/association leader, etc... who has demonstrated commitment to the rice industry through innovative practices, industry association, community leadership/development.

 Rice Lifetime Achievement Award

■ Has been in the rice industry for more than 10 years.

■ An industry leader who has provided great contributions to the rice industry through industry associations, community leadership/development, innovative practices/projects that have advanced the industry.

Deadline:

July 15, 2024

If you are submitting more than one nomination form, please make a copy before you fill out the form. Nomination forms can be downloaded or submitted online at ricefarming.com/ra

Nominee’s name

Nominee’s address

Nominee’s phone number/email address

Nominee’s rice acreage (if applicable)

Number of years involved in the rice industry (if applicable)

Your name

Your profession

Your address

Your phone number/email address

Your signature Date

Please send completed form & supporting materials to: Carroll Smith 7201 Eastern Ave., Germantown, TN 38138

Scan/Email: csmith@onegrower.com Online: ricefarming.com/ra

Include supporting materials to elaborate on your nomination:

In addition to completing this form, on a separate piece of paper, please describe the nominee in terms of the following guidelines:

Dedication to farming and/or agriculture and the rice industry, local community and education. Determination to succeed and overcome hurdles that have emerged while trying to reach goals. Innovation to identify new and better ways for the industry to become more profitable, manage risk, achieve a higher level of efficiency.

It also is helpful to send letters of recommendation for the nominee from other individuals in the rice industry who are familiar with his/her accomplishments. A panel of judges from across the Rice Belt will select the recipients of the 2024 Rice Awards.

The award recipients will be honored at the USA Rice Outlook Conference, Dec. 8-10 in Little Rock, Arkansas, where an official presentation will be made at the awards luncheon. They also will be featured in a special salute sponsored by Horizon Ag, USA Rice and Rice Farming magazine in the December 2024 issue.

SPONSORS

By Karah Fissel International Trade Policy USA Rice

A Taste of India’s Trade Distortion

The U.S. rice industry generates roughly $34 billion toward the U.S. economy, but exports account for more than 50% of the rice produced and processed here in the United States. Agricultural exports are critical to the U.S. economy, and the single largest threat to our rice exports is India—a country that has increased its domestic support for rice so drastically that it skyrocketed from the number four global rice exporter in 2010 to the world’s largest two years later. In fact, in 2023, Indian rice exports accounted for nearly 42% of global rice trade.

Over the past decade, subsidies for agricultural inputs—fertilizer, electricity, irrigation, and seeds—have accounted for a significant percentage of India’s value of production. They have sharply increased domestic support, with support prices for rice more than doubling in local currency terms since 2009. This is effectively a floor price on the domestic rice market, and the Indian government maintains these internal market prices by purchasing large quantities of rice at that ar-

tificially low price. The excess is either sold domestically—displacing import opportunities—or dumped on international markets. This combination of heavily subsidizing input costs and output prices drives the excess production of rice in India and results in increased exports, as the domestic market cannot possibly absorb all the excess.

India does not deny their manipulative practices. In their World Trade Organization (WTO) notifications, they fully admit their

level of support is above their commitments. However, they justify this with a WTO clause that provides developing countries with an exception to exceed their committed levels of support in the name of food security.

It’s important to note that this clause is not meant to be used when exports affect the world market. For its part, the U.S. government has stepped up to challenge why India has sought these exceptions at the WTO.

The obvious questions remain: how can India claim their practices are in the name of domestic food security while their levels of support far exceed the actual value of production? And how can India claim that their practices do not affect trade when they are the largest global exporter? India should take steps to reform its programs, but unfortunately it continues to raise subsidy levels while seeking unlimited exemptions, going so far as to derail the entire agricultural negotiations at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi recently.

India took steps in 2022 and 2023 to stabilize their domestic prices. They implemented export bans for broken rice, as well as all non-basmati and non-parboiled rice. They then established a basmati export floor price, which led to immediate increases in world rice prices (the highest in nearly a decade), to the detriment of markets across Africa and Asia. Eventually, when the export bans and other restrictions are lifted, India will quickly shift to selling their excess rice on the market cheaply and further distort rice trade.

The U.S. government should be commended for its initial effort to push back against India’s egregious practices—at the WTO in Geneva as well as here at home. In March, U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) requested that the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) update its 2015 report on the global competitiveness of the U.S. rice industry, a move that USA Rice wholeheartedly supports. The report accurately characterized the global rice market as being impacted by significant government intervention in both imports and exports. With this updated report, the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) has yet another powerful piece of evidence to hold India accountable at the WTO.

Mizzou Breaks Ground on New Facility

The Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory will strengthen research support for southeast Missouri producers.

Agroundbreaking was held April 5 for the Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory at the University of Missouri’s Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center (FD-REEC) in Portageville, Missouri.

“As a longtime Delta Day attendee and Delta Center advocate, I’m pleased to have been part of spearheading a new facility that will support existing university programs while inspiring research among future generations of students,” former Sen. Blunt said. “It is an honor to have my name connected with this world-class facility right in the heart of the region that will benefit from the research the most.”

This $4.6 million facility will enhance agriculture research programs housed at the center, offering advanced resources for soil, water, and plant-tissue testing.

“Senator Roy Blunt’s deep roots in agriculture have benefitted our state and our university’s research mission tremendously,” said Keith Holloway, a member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators. “Born into a farming family, Senator Blunt understands the challenges and aspirations of our farming research community like few others. Throughout his career in public service, he consistently championed the cause of agriculture research, advocating for policies that strengthen Missouri’s agricultural industry.”

FD-REEC is part of the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Agricultural Experiment Station, which provides locally relevant research and demonstrations to support Missouri’s producers and landowners.

“The Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory brings the latest technologies and research-based recommendations directly for Missouri farmers to use,” said Mun Choi, president of the University of Missouri. “Senator Blunt and the Fisher Delta Research, Extension, and Education Center were instrumental in supporting this innovative facility, and it will serve as an enduring example of the strong advocacy for Missouri agriculture.”

Former Sen. Blunt spoke at the event and participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking, in addition to Jason Bean, Missouri senator representing District 25; Chris Chinn, Director of the Mis-

souri Department of Agriculture; Choi; Christopher R. Daubert, vice chancellor and dean, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; and Chad Higgins, vice chancellor for Extension and UM System chief engagement officer.

The new building will offer technologically advanced soil sample and water and plant-tissue testing and provide lab space to house the FD-REEC’s rice production and entomology research programs while accommodating additional greenhouse operations. The testing services to be offered by this new laboratory are currently unavailable in this region of Missouri.

“MU Extension’s Soil Testing Program serves as a cornerstone in supporting Missouri farmers by delivering critical insights into soil health and nutrient management,” Higgins said. “Through its science-backed recommendations, this program annually contributes to savings exceeding $60 million for Missouri farmers, resulting in reduced fertilizer expenses and enhanced crop yields.”

Former Sen. Blunt was integral in bringing together federal, state, and local funding sources to build the new facility.

“I appreciate and respect former Senator Blunt for his hard work and track record of bringing federal dollars back to Missouri,” Bean said. “This investment in our region will enhance the educational programs and research offered by the University of Missouri in support of our farmers and agricultural community.”

Construction on the 6,200-square-foot building will begin this spring.

Pictured left to right at the groundbreaking are Robert Cook, Don Rone, Paul T. Combs, David Haggard, Patrick McHaney, Aaron Brandt, Gary Wheeler, Chris Chinn, Jason Bean, Roy Blunt, Keith Holloway, Shelly Fisher, Trent Haggard, Charlie Kruse, Dave Blakemore, Mun Choi, Justin Rone, Rob Kallenbach, Chad Higgins, Shibu Jose and Chris Daubert. Photo by Shannon Beck.

Rendering of the new Roy Blunt Soil Testing and Research Laboratory

Cultivating California Rice

By Cassidy Nemec Editor

John Cecil is a fourth-generation rice grower in Willows, California. His great grandfather bought some land there back in the 1800s. He began to take over the operation located in the Glenn-Colusa irrigation district in 1983 a er he attended college at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California.

The Operation and Recent Years

Cecil has rented and purchased land over the years and now grows three different varieties of medium grain rice on his 2,000-acre-plus rice operation: M-105, M-210, and M-211. ey y on all their seed and typically keep all the ground in rice acreage. He said he likes to get his rst eld planted by April 15 but that weather can change that date from year to year.

“It oods up here and our ground is really heavy, so it makes good rice,” Cecil said.

He has four full-time employees, along with some seasonal spring and fall labor when they are busy.

Cecil said that he learned from those before him to practice good stewardship and to not bring himself into debt. “My dad taught me to be smart about investing your money and not overextend yourself.”

In 2022, California faced a large drop in rice acreage due to a signi cant drought and water delivery curtailments. Cecil noted the impact it had in his area of the state and that he was fortunate to be able to keep all his labor during this challenging time.

“It was devastating. It was really hard on our local community and our day-to-day operations,” he said. “It was tough waking up every morning and driving elds; the only good part about that year was the lack of mosquitoes.”

He said he didn’t plant any rice that year due to the irrigation district not having water to supply. On the ipside, he planted later in 2023 than normal due to cool and wet conditions. “No one complained because all the reservoirs were full,” he said.

Improving E iciencies, Staying Involved

Cecil said he has seen much change in technology over the past couple decades. “Equipment is getting bigger and having more horsepower, and the harvesters are getting larger headers put on them,” he said.

According to Cecil, more resistant weeds — resistant rough-seeded bullrush and more — are coming along that will keep them working on their herbicide program. As far as insects and disease go, they put Quadris on as a preventive for blast. He said that a humid year may promote the blast, but they can also get through years without seeing it at all.

Cecil’s mother Shirley is 93 years old and helped out during the 2023 harvest.

“When I rst started farming, we had a 16foot header; now we have a 30-foot header.”

In 2002, he had a game-changing year and bought his rst auto-steer tractor. “After that, I wouldn’t own a tractor without autosteer,” he said.

ey also have lasers to help level the ground and go o satellite for their equipment.

30 days is usually about the time it takes for Cecil to harvest his crop. He said that he does not burn his rice straw anymore so always hopes to make good habitat for ducks and geese to come in and smash the straw in the ground a er harvest. Some storage is located on the farm, and the rest of the rice goes to commercial warehouses before going to Woodland, California, to get milled.

He said he gets a lot of his information on what he wants to do on his operation from talking to other farmers, reading articles, and staying on top of current rice research and variety information.

Cecil said it is getting more di cult to farm with the increased rules and regulations but that he did buy a new ranch recently and is not planning to retire just yet.

Among his involvements, Cecil serves

Cecil said he has seen much change in technology over the past couple decades. “Equipment is getting bigger and having more horsepower, and the harvesters are getting larger headers put on them,” he said. “When I first started farming, we had a 16-foot header; now we have a 30-foot header.”

on the California Rice Commission, is president of their rice company where they market rice and is president of his rice pest abatement district. “It’s helped tremendously just to work with other farmers and learn what is going on in the industry,” he said.

Cecil said he has traveled to Mississippi and Arkansas rice operations, and even Germany to see an equipment factory. “It’s

grown in a completely di erent way from here — they rotate their ground, usually drill it, and they have a di erent fertilizer program.”

He said he enjoys watching the rice crop evolve throughout the season. “ e most rewarding part is when the rice rst comes out of the water,” Cecil said. “Getting to see it right when it rst comes out of the water is the most rewarding part for me.”

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Researchers Look to Rice for ‘Clean Label’ Ingredients

By Brittaney Mann U of A System Division of Agriculture

Naturally occurring polyphenols and proteins from pigmented waxy rice may help starch ingredients improve texture without any chemical modification — a change some consumers may welcome, said Ya-Jane Wang, professor of carbohydrate chemistry.

Chemically modified starch is a common thickener in soups and other foods. Without modification, starch breaks down during high-temperature and high-shear food processing and no longer functions properly as a thickening agent.

As consumers express concerns over chemically modified ingredients, Wang is looking at alternatives. With the help of a $400,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant awarded in 2023, Wang is exploring how to use polyphenols and proteins naturally present in pigmented waxy rice as a natural starch strengthener.

Polyphenols are a micronutrient that naturally occur in plants. She used pigmented waxy rice because the presence of polyphenols in the rice and the polyphenol-protein interaction that arises. “Waxy” rice is also known as “sticky” or “sweet” rice due to its low level of amylose, one of the ingredients that make up starch. Higher levels of amylose cause the rice to separate and become fluffy, whereas lower levels of amylose produce higher viscosities. Polyphenol-protein interactions naturally present in the pigmented rice aid in retaining a food’s viscosity, or thickness, during the cooking process.

Wang conducts research for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Her collaborators on the research include Annegret Jannasch, a doctoral student in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, who works under the direction of Wang; Anna McClung, a

Annegret Jannasch, left, and Ya-Jane Wang, professor of carbohydrate chemistry, are looking at the components of pigmented waxy rice to serve as a “clean label” starch strengthener.

recently retired research geneticist at the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center; Sun-Ok Lee, associate professor of nutrition for the experiment station; post-doctoral researcher Zeina Alraawi; and Suresh Thallapuranam, Cooper Chair of Bioinformatics Research and professor of biochemistry.

Wang, Jannasch, and Lee work in the food science department in the Bumpers College. Thallapuranam is joining the team from the chemistry and biochemistry department in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

McClung provides the researchers with pigmented waxy rice samples.

“We propose that pigmented waxy rice can function like chemically modified starches but without the use of chemicals, so it will be a clean label ingredient,” Wang said.

“Clean label” is not a scientific term, but the food industry, academics and consum-

ers define the phenomenon as choosing foods with easy-to-recognize ingredients and no artificial ingredients or synthetic chemicals, according to the Institute of Food Technologists.

Consumer Perception

In recent years, consumers have raised concerns about ingredients used in food production, Wang noted. Some consumers aim to consume only minimally processed food.

The idea of minimal processing varies from person to person, Wang said. Some consumers prefer wheat flour, but others might consider wheat flour too processed and consume whole wheat flour instead.

“A lot of processed food is really for preservation or convenience,” Wang said. Food products such as ham, pickles, and TV dinners, for example, are processed to help simplify food preparation for the consumer and to extend shelf life.

Wang’s research may alleviate these concerns related to modi ed starch.

Many foods contain modi ed starch, which is chemically altered to improve processing and storage stability, Wang said. Starches function as thickening agents to improve the texture and consistency of food products.

e inspiration for this project came from Wang’s recent research that explored the possibility of utilizing the interactions among polyphenols, protein, and starch in pigmented waxy rice to increase satiation, the feeling of fullness. In that original project, Wang found that the pigmented waxy rice’s unique interactions between polyphenols and proteins allow starch to swell more in an acidic condition that simulates gastric environments.

“Starch, when it swells, is like a balloon — it becomes bigger and bigger,” Wang said. During food processing, “the temperature, the shear, the high acidity will completely break down the balloon. You want the balloon to swell more — that is how you create the viscosity — but you don’t want it to swell too much. e polyphenol-protein interactions help to maintain the starch structure so it will stay at that stage.

“ at is why you can use starch to thicken any soup because the starch can swell more than 10 times its volume, but once it gets to that stage, it becomes very fragile,” she said.

Outside of consumer perception, Wang said that applying this pigmented waxy rice, as opposed to using modi ed starch, could provide additional environmental and health bene ts.

With any chemical modi cation comes a residue, Wang said, so using a naturally occurring starch with these properties eliminates that concern. Polyphenols are present in many berries and vegetables, and a high amount of polyphenols are known to have antioxidant, anti-in ammatory and antidiabetic properties.

A Three-Phase Approach

e research will take place in three phases. Wang and her team have nished the rst phase, which evaluated pigmented waxy rice samples and their contents and compositions of proteins, starch, and polyphenols. A research article titled “Elucidating the e ect of polyphenol-protein interactions on rheological properties of purple waxy rice” was published in the Journal of Cereal Science this month.

e next phase will determine the nature of the polyphenol-protein interactions in pigmented waxy rice. Interactions between polyphenols and proteins involve chemical bonds linking two molecules, and it is important because a strong bond helps maintain granule integrity under high shear, temperature and acidic conditions, Wang said.

Finally, the researchers will apply thermal processing conditions to alter the extent of polyphenol-protein interactions so the resulting products will produce a wide

range of viscosities for di erent applications.

“We really want to see the possibility of commercializing the resulting technology,” Wang said. “We want to see if any companies are interested and work with them.”

Companies using this to make cereals, pudding, or pasta is something that Wang hopes to see.

Wang will share an update on this research at the USDA-NIFA project director meeting in Amherst, Massachusetts, on June 17-18.

Increasing E ciencies in Rice

Growing a Sustainable Crop for the Bottom Line

By Cassidy Nemec Editor

Je Rutledge owns and operates a farm in Newport, Arkansas, located between and along the White River and Black River. Rutledge has an undergraduate degree in agronomy from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and a master’s degree in agronomy from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he did his research on weed science.

Farm Details

When Rutledge’s grandfather came back from the war, he began buying and clearing land for the farm. On his grandfather’s side, Rutledge is a third-generation grower, while he is about the sixth generation on his grandmother’s side.

Rutledge had been buying into the operation with his father and uncle even before leaving for college. “I always knew I was going to come back here.”

He came back to farm full-time in the spring of 1999 and now has six full-time team members he said he is fortunate to have.

Rutledge said he has a very good crop consultant in Brent Lassiter with ProAg Services who looks at all his crop. “He started that company years ago and has been looking at our crop for more than 20 years.”

On the farm, they grow rice, corn, and soybeans. Rutledge said it depends on the year but that they will typically rotate from rice to soybeans and soybeans to rice. “We don’t have a lot of elds where we can rotate rice, corn, and soybeans in the same eld, but when we do, we don’t ever plant rice behind corn or corn behind rice; we will have a soybean crop in between those.”

e ground, all precision-leveled, is composed mainly of a heavy silt-loam soil with some more light and sandy ground along the river.

ey have diesel, electric, and natural gas wells throughout the farm, with electric and natural gas making up the majority.

Over the years, Rutledge has adopted more technological advancements in ag. “GPS precision technology has probably been

the biggest technological shi over the past 10 to 15 years,” he said. “With any kind of row crop, you’re getting down to sub-inch accuracy, which makes us more e cient so that we’re not wasting herbicides or even seed with Precision Planting.”

“Anytime we as producers can be more e cient, we are going to be because that means more to the bottom line since our costs are one of the only things we have control over to some extent. We’re always looking to our crop consultant, to university research, and anywhere else we can nd more e ciencies,” Rutledge said.

He added that the research provided by the university provides validation for them on ever-evolving issues and methods in rice production. “You don’t have a lot of large companies putting a lot of money into rice-speci c products because of its market, so the university is very important in that aspect as well.”

Exploring Di erent Avenues of Rice

Rutledge, in addition to levee rice, grows row rice on his farm. “I started doing that about eight years ago,” he said. “We’ve steadily increased the acreage each year to be 75% to 80% of our rice acreage now. We put it everywhere it ts. We do have some elds that are short and wide where it doesn’t t, or it may be a small eld with a compound fall, but those would be the only places we don’t have it at this point.”

He said they plant a lot of the hybrid varieties for their row rice due to the disease package with blast resistance being their biggest issue on row rice. “If you have a hot, dry year, that can really decimate your yields,” he said.

“A great thing about row rice in rotational corn and soybeans is that not only are you gaining e ciency in harvest, labor, and water use, but the rotation is also easier,” Rutledge said. “We may go back in and clean the furrows out, but it’s basically no-till where we can just leave the beds and plant back in. It also allows you to do cover crops on that since you’re not having to go back in and tear down levees.”

“A great thing about row rice in rotational corn and soybeans is that not only are you gaining efficiency in harvest, labor, and water use, but the rotation is also easier,” Rutledge said.

The university had also done research on Rutledge’s farm to compare row rice and levee rice in terms of water usage and found a 20% to 30% decrease in water use with row rice. “Not only are you saving on water, but labor costs are also significantly less when you’re not dealing with levees, and the harvest efficiency is much better.”

According to Rutledge, insect pressure can vary based on the year. He said they are looking for rice water weevils early in the year. “Billbugs are also kind of a new one related to the row rice production since it’s not a continuously flooded environment,” he said.

Later in the year, they look for stinkbugs that will affect the quality of the grain. They also look for sheath blight, blast, and brown spot later in the year. “You’ve got a lot of fungal and bacterial diseases in rice that you’re always scouting for this time of year,” Rutledge said.

Conservation and Sustainability

One of the biggest developments Rutledge noted over the past five to 10 years has been the focus on conservation and sustainability. He said a lot of producers were already implementing conservation practices but have been given more incentives to do so the past decade. “Across the board, we as U.S. producers produce the most affordable, sustainable, and efficient food, fiber, and fuel more than anywhere else in the world.”

Rutledge said they implement cover crops where they fit on the farm. “It doesn’t work everywhere, but we have them where we can.

“That’s been an issue in policy, especially in the conservation realm, as of late,” he said. “A lot of the conservation practices that have been pushed for climate-smart programs don’t necessarily work for rice because it’s so different in its production system. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution.”

Row rice and alternate wetting and drying are other water sustainability methods Rutledge has implemented on his farm.

“Our groundwater is 20 to 30 feet deep,” Rutledge said. “It only fluctuates to whatever the river level is, so we don’t really have issues with the groundwater quantity or quality here. Our issue here is that yes, the groundwater is 20 feet below the ground, but sometimes it can be 20 feet above the ground.”

He said there is not a lot they can do when it does flood but that they have power units in all their wells. “We’ll try to get everything out we can. We pull gear heads sometimes if we have enough notice beforehand.”

A Close-Knit Industry

Rutledge is very involved in the Arkansas and U.S. rice industry.

“It’s a very small industry,” he said. “We’re all connected.”

Within Arkansas, he is on the Arkansas Rice Federation board, Arkansas Rice Council board, Arkansas Ag Council board, Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion board, the Jackson County Farm Bureau board, and the Arkansas Waterways Commission. He also plays an active role on the executive committee for his region’s AgHeritage Farm Credit Services board.

As far as the U.S. as a whole, Rutledge is on the USA Rice Federation board and is vice chairman for the USA Rice Council board as an Arkansas representative. He also participated in the 2005 Rice Leadership Class. “That’s been a very successful program,” he said. “Most of the leadership in the rice industry has gone through and been alumnus of that program, so it’s been good to see it fulfill its role in sourcing and preparing leaders for the industry.”

Rutledge said he has been fortunate to reap many benefits from his involvement in the rice industry. “I’ve gotten to be involved in a lot of the policy work in D.C. and have been able to see how that directly affects us,” he said. “It benefits me personally as a rice farmer, but I get to work on it to benefit all rice farmers and the industry as a whole.

“Being involved in the industry really lets you see the big picture of the industry and how we’re all connected as far as merchants, millers, farmers, and how they all work together.”

He said they are not just looking out for their own operations. “We’re looking out for the industry as a whole that supports us. That was impressed upon me by my dad who was very involved; he taught me the importance of being involved and doing what you can to support the industry. It’s our livelihood — ensuring the continued profitability of the industry we make our living from.”

Rutledge places high importance on his faith and family. "My wife is my partner in the operation and keeps the bills paid and me on schedule. My children also grew up working on the farm. All the successes, challenges, opportunities, and abilities have been blessings from God."

He said knowing they are producing something is rewarding to him.

“To know that our labor is feeding the world — you do get some satisfaction out of seeing the fruits of your labor through the season and being able to steward the resources — land and water — and help the people and economy who are dependent on agriculture. There is some reward in being a part of that and being a foundation of that economy.”

Submit a nomination for the 2024 Rice Consultant of the Year Award.

Recognize an outstanding consultant for his or her dedication, leadership and innovation in the U.S. rice industry.

For more information, go to ricefarming.com/rcoy or go toPage 15in this issue of Rice Farming.

Submit nominations by July15,

here to see previous RCOY Award winners. Or visit Corteva. us/2024RCOY

MSU Scientists on Team to Digitize Crop Nutrient Management

As planting season begins, farmers are testing their soil to determine the nutrients needed to grow their crop. Mississippi State scientists and colleagues from nearly 50 universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, non-pro t organizations, and industry partners released a new tool to help decipher the nutrients needed.

Vaughn Reed and Jagmandeep Dhillon, plant and soil sciences assistant professors and scientists in the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, are members of the national team that built the Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool, or FRST.  e decision-aid tool provides an unbiased, science-based interpretation of phosphorus and potassium values in soil tests across 40 states and Puerto Rico.

“Soil testing and protocols as well as nutrient recommendations vary by state while the acres of an individual farm may cross state lines,” Reed said. “FRST was developed in response to the pressing need to harmonize soil testing across state boundaries. It represents an improvement in our ability to evaluate soil test correlation.”

Crop-speci c fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests have a long shelf life, generally only updated every 20 years. FRST is the rst national database to archive soil test correlation providing a baseline of data and ensuring the information is not lost as scientists retire, Reed added.

FRST currently stores phosphorus and potassium information, two of the big three in crop fertilization, with nitrogen completing the trio. Phosphorus is a building block of DNA and RNA and helps with root development, increases resistance to disease and contributes to ower development. Potassium controls water regulation and helps plants respond to stress.

e new tool represents a signi cant advancement in soil testing for phosphorus and potassium and nutrient management that uses data from across the U.S. Researchers hope the tool’s precise soil test calibration might one day contribute to signi cant annual savings for farmers across the country while also reducing excess nutrient losses to the environment. “We believe that FRST will not only bene t farmers by improving farm economics and conservation practices

Nolan Mullican, a plant and soil sciences master’s student, examines soil quality at the MAFES Pontotoc Ridge-Flatwoods Branch Experiment Station.

but also contribute to global sustainability," Dhillon said.

While the tool is primarily for researchers, farmers will also bene t by comparing results from the tool to their speci c nutrient recommendations.

Nathan Slaton, soil science researcher at the University of Arkansas and a leader on the project said the tool helps anyone interested in calibrating traditional soil tests. “Anyone can use this web-based tool to check their soil-test-based fertilizer recommendations against the FRST research results relevant to their crop, soils, and geographic area.”

e current version of FRST includes data from nearly 2,500 phosphorus and potassium trials for 21 major agricultural crops. In the next phase, FRST will provide research-based phosphorus or potassium rate response information to assist farmers in selecting the minimum fertilizer rate expected to produce maximal crop yield.

Funding for the FRST project has been provided by the USDA-NRCS including the Conservation Innovation Grants, USDA-ARS, USDA-NIFA, and OCP North America.

For more information about FRST, visit https://soiltestfrst.org and click on “Tool.” For more information about the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, visit www.mafes.msstate.edu.

is article is provided by Mississippi State University.

NOMINATION FORM

Nominate an outstanding consultant for the Rice Consultant of the Year Award

Sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and Rice Farming magazine, the annual award recognizes the dedication, leadership and innovation of this crucial segment of the U.S. rice industry.

“Corteva Agriscience™ is committed to rice consultants and the key role they play in agronomic guidance and support,” said Drew Clark, Corteva Agriscience product manager, rice and cereals.

“As the sponsor of the Rice Consultant of the Year program, Corteva is honored to recognize consultants who continuously strive to impact the rice industry and their local communities,” he said.

The RCOY Award recipient will:

 Be featured in a four-page salute in the February 2025 Rice Farming magazine and honored at a special recognition event Feb. 27, 2025.

 Receive a personalized Rice Consultant of the Year jacket.

The award recipient and nominator each will receive two night’s hotel stay and round-trip travel to the event.

SUBMIT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Please use a separate page for biographical/professional information.

Additional recommendation letters from rice farmers, consultants and industry members in support of the nominee are encouraged.

Submit all materials via:

Email: csmith@onegrower.com

Mail: Carroll Smith

7201 Eastern Ave. Germantown, TN 38138

Online: ricefarming.com/rcoy

Submit nominations by July 15, 2024.

Consultant’s Name:

Company Name:

Mailing Address: City:

Scan here to see previous RCOYAward winners.

Or visit Corteva. us/2024RCOY

Please describe the dedication, leadership and innovation that makes this person a good candidate for the 2024 Rice Consultant of the Year Award. (Be as specific as possible, and use a separate sheet, if needed.)

FWS Streamline ESA Voluntary Conservation Programs

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”) have issued a final rule to update the implementing regulations for Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”). Section 10 of the ESA sets out various voluntary programs available to private landowners that allow participants to be exempted from certain ESA prohibitions in exchange for aiding species conservation. The new rule is aimed at streamlining aspects of the Section 10 programs by reducing the amount of time needed to apply for voluntary conservation programs, combining two existing programs into one agreement type, and providing FWS additional flexibility in issuing permits that authorize unintentional “take” of species.

Background

The ESA was enacted by Congress in 1973 with the primary goal of conserving endangered species and the ecosystems on which those species depend. 16 U.S.C. § 1531(b). The statute is co-administered by FWS together with the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) (collectively “the Services”), which are both tasked with identifying species to be listed under the ESA as either threatened or endangered. Once a species is listed under the ESA it receives full ESA protection.

A primary protection that the ESA grants to listed species is a prohibition on take. Under the ESA, “take” is defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect” any listed species. 16 U.S.C. § 1532(19). The ESA’s prohibition on take applies to all persons – including private parties, states, and the federal government – and encompasses both purposeful and unintentional take of species. There are only two ways to take a species without violating the ESA. A federal agency may be authorized to take species incidental to an otherwise lawful activity through an Incidental Take Statement issued under Section 7 of the ESA. For states and private parties, the primary way to gain take authorization is by receiving an incidental take permit issued under Section 10 of the ESA.

Section 10 of the ESA allows the Services to issue permits authorizing activity that would otherwise be prohibited under the ESA. Section 10 creates three main types of permits: Recovery and Interstate Commerce Permits, Enhancement of Survival Permits, and Incidental Take Permits. In general, Recovery and Interstate Commerce Permits are issued to someone engaged in scientific activity aimed at enhancing the propagation or survival of a listed species. 16 U.S.C. § 1539(a)(1)(A).

These permits are typically granted to parties conducting sci-

entific research on a listed species in order to better understand the species’ survival needs. Because Recovery and Interstate Commerce Permits are primarily issued for scientific purposes, they are usually not particularly relevant to private landowners. Of greater interest to landowners are Enhancement of Survival Permits (“ESPs”) and Incidental Take Permits (“ITPs”).

The New Rule

The final rule published in the Federal Register on April 12 is focused on updating regulations related to ESPs and ITPs with an overall goal of boosting landowner participation in the ESA’s voluntary conservation programs. While the new rule includes some minor updates to clarify certain aspects of the regulatory language, the main purpose of the rule is to combine the Safe Harbor Agreement (“SHA”) program with the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (“CCAA”) program to form a new type of conservation agreement called a Conservation Benefit Agreement.

Going forward, the Services will no longer implement the SHA and CCAA programs as separate policies but will instead implement the singular Conservation Benefit Agreement program. By combining the SHA and CCAA programs into one, the Services hope to reduce confusion over the programs and encourage future landowner participation.

One of the ways that the new rule works to reduce confusion is by clarifying that by approving an application for any of the voluntary ESA conservation programs, the Services are not approving the conservation activities outlined by the applicant. The Services clarify that the ESA only grants them the authority to issue ESPs or ITPs which authorize otherwise prohibited take. The Services do not actually approve the conservation activities themselves, just the incidental take.

Next, the new rule clarifies that ESPs are only issued to authorize take of species when the conservation actions that are part of the overall conservation agreement are “of the nature of improving the condition of the species[.]” In other words, ESPs are issued for the primary purpose of carrying out conservation activities that will be beneficial to a listed species. ITPs, on the other hand, are issued to authorize take that is incidental to otherwise lawful activities for which species conservation is not the primary purpose such as resource extraction, commercial development, and energy development. According to the Services, codifying this clarification will help reduce confusion over when which permit is applicable.

Along with these clarifications, the new rule consolidates the pre-existing SHA and CCAA programs into one single conservation agreement called a Conservation Benefit Agreement. Going forward, any party who is interested in obtaining an ESP will apply for a Conservation Benefit Agreement instead of having to determine whether an SHA or a CCAA is most appropriate. Conservation Benefit Agreements can be entered into to conserve either a currently listed species or a species that is considered a candidate for listing. As with SHAs and CCAAs, a landowner who enters into a Conservation Benefit Agreement will receive assurances from the Services that they will not need to carry out any additional conservation measures beyond those set out in the agreement.

When applying for a Conservation Benefit Agreement, the new rule requires applicants to include information on conservation measures that will be covered by the permit and their intended outcome for the covered species; a description of the covered species; the measurable biological goals and objectives of the

conservation measures in the agreement; a baseline condition of the property to be covered by the agreement; the expected net conservation benefit of the proposed conservation measures; the applicant’s plans for monitoring and managing the conservation measures; and whether the applicant would chose to return the property to the baseline condition after the ESP expires. Previously, the choice to return to baseline was only available for landowners with an SHA. Going forward, that option will be available to all applicants for an ESP regardless of whether it will be applied to an already listed species or a candidate species.

For landowners, the agreements provide assurances that so long as the landowner carries out the agreed upon conservation measures, they will not be expected to carry out any future conservation activities.

Once a landowner submits a completed Conservation Benefit Agreement application, the Services will review and, under the new rule, “may issue the permit” if all the necessary criteria are met. That requires the Services to make a determination that incidental take is necessary for the implementation of the Conservation Benefit Agreement, the impacts of the authorized take are unlikely to contribute to the species becoming extinct, and that the agreement is reasonably expected to provide a conservation benefit to the covered species.

If an ESP is issued as part of a Conservation Benefit Agreement involving an already listed species, the permit will become effective once the permittee signs the permit, which must be done within 90 days of issuance. For an ESP issued as part of a Conservation Benefit Agreement involving a non-listed candidate species, the permit becomes effective upon the date the species is listed so long as the permittee signed the permit within 90 days of it being issued.

Going Forward

The ESA’s voluntary conservation programs provide a unique opportunity for private landowners to work with the Services to authorize otherwise prohibited take of a species. For landowners, the agreements provide assurances that so long as the landowner carries out the agreed upon conservation measures, they will not be expected to carry out any future conservation activities. This is particularly helpful for landowners who are aware that a candidate species is located on or near their property and would like to avoid unforeseen ESA restrictions should the species become listed. For the Services, these voluntary conservation agreements allow the government to work directly with landowners to carry out the goals of the ESA while being able to tailor conservation activities to particular landscapes.

By clarifying certain aspects of when an ESP or ITP is required, and by simplifying the ESP application process through the combination of the SHA and CCAA programs into one Conservation Benefit Agreement, the Services hope to clear up existing confusion and promote greater landowner participation in voluntary conservation programs. The new rule went into effect May 13, 2024.

This excerpt is provided by the National Agricultural Law Center. For the full article and more information, visit https://nationalaglaw center.org/fws-streamline-esa-voluntary-conservation-programs/.

Partnership Between LSU AgCenter, Horizon Ag to Benefit Rice Industry

By Tobie Blanchard LSU AgCenter

The LSU AgCenter is partnering with Horizon Ag, a seed marketing and variety development company, to initiate a new rice breeding program focused on varieties for southern rice-producing areas, which include Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas.

This partnership will give Horizon Ag access to the AgCenter’s elite rice breeding germplasm and result in collaborative breeding efforts.

LSU AgCenter rice breeder and director of the AgCenter H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station Adam Famoso said the partnership offers tangible benefits to the two partners — the rice industry and rice producers.

“The contract research activities will be leveraged to support our existing and future station research and breeding efforts and will enable expanded testing within the LSU breeding program,” Famoso said. “The AgCenter will provide contract research services such as field testing and evaluation of Horizon’s breeding materials.”

The initial agreement is set for five years, beginning this year. Horizon Ag will hire a rice breeder and support staff who will be housed in an independent lab at the Rice Research Station. New varieties released by Horizon will be in addition to the AgCenter’s breeding activities.

Horizon Ag’s CEO Tim Walker said the company saw decreasing financial support for rice breeding programs in the southern rice-growing region and sees this partnership as a way to invest in the LSU AgCenter’s breeding program while working alongside it for the betterment of the rice industry.

“We see this as an opportunity, a need, and a mutual benefit,” Walker said. “The industry will be better having more breeders working towards a common goal of improving grain yields and quality, both of which are very important to southern USA rice farmers.”

The AgCenter will receive royalties from varieties released by Horizon Ag, helping sustain the size and scale of its rice research efforts.

The AgCenter’s rice breeding program also will have the opportunity to test its experimental lines in wider geographies and environments through additional testing networks that Horizon Ag will establish.

“We are excited for this groundbreaking public-private partnership with Horizon Ag. This collaboration is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of the Louisiana rice industry, bringing substantial benefits to our rural communities,” said Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture. “It is designed to bolster economic development through

employment and the local procurement of materials and supplies. Together, we are poised to lead in agricultural innovation and research, establishing new benchmarks for success and sustainability in the rice industry."

While this partnership is unique, Horizon Ag has worked with the AgCenter before.

“We worked closely with LSU and our partners when we really revolutionized the industry with Clearfield rice. Then we did the same thing launching the important Provisia technology, and they were both launched as LSU varieties,” Walker said. “This is the evolution of that relationship and a unique and innovative step for the rice industry.”

The LSU AgCenter has long been a leader in rice breeding, releasing 63 varieties through its program at the Crowley station, the world’s oldest rice research station. Groundbreaking technologies developed at the station have been pivotal in combating weedy rice, enhancing crop yields and sustainability.

John Denison, chair of the Louisiana Rice Research Board, offered his support of the agreement.

“As the costs of research continue to rise, I am excited to see additional investment into the rice breeding program,” Denison said, “Louisiana’s breeding program and our Rice Research Station have been world-renowned for decades, in large part because of the investment from our Louisiana growers through our checkoff. We hope this partnership complements the breeding program overall and continues to yield advancements and new varieties in the market that help keep Louisiana rice farmers successful and sustainable.”

LSU AgCenter rice breeder Adam Famoso working in the greenhouse of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station. Famoso will collaborate with Horizon Ag on a new rice breeding program focused on varieties for southern rice-producing areas.

Tim Walker

Irby Named Associate Director for MSU Extension

Trent Irby has moved into an administrative role with the Mississippi State University Extension Service after more than 12 years of serving the state’s soybean growers.

MSU Extension Director Angus Catchot recently named Irby associate director of Extension. In this role, Irby will be working primarily in agricultural and natural resource programs. Prior to his appointment, he had been serving in the position on an interim basis since January.

“Soybeans are our most grown row crop, so Dr. Irby has been one of our busiest and most trusted agronomists for many years,” Catchot said. “He has logged a lot of road miles helping our producers solve problems, and he has shown natural leadership in the process. That ability plus his experience makes him an excellent fit for this role.”

A native of Brandon, Mississippi, Irby has earned three degrees from MSU: doctoral and master’s degrees in weed science, and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, technology, and business.

Irby joined MSU Extension as a soybean specialist in 2012. His Extension efforts as soybean specialist focused largely on demonstration activities at more than 370 locations across the state since 2013. These efforts provide growers with farm-level data demonstrating research-proven benefits related to crop production, including variety performance, fertility challenges, and pest management strategies.

He has also served as co-coordinator of the MSU Row Crop Short Course for several years. This annual educational conference hosts hundreds of producers, consultants, and industry professionals in agriculture.

“I am excited about being a part of the amazing things Mississippi State University Extension does to serve our state,” Irby said. “Having been a part of MSU Extension working in agriculture for most of my career, I am blessed to have witnessed firsthand the impact it makes for our state’s citizens.

“MSU Extension truly has something to offer to all Mississippians, and I am honored to serve with Dr. Catchot, the agents in each of our counties, and the faculty and

staff located both on campus and around the state to enhance the lives of every citizen,” he said.

Irby will be based at the Bost Extension Center at MSU.

— Robert Nathan Gregory, MSU Extension

Diaz Tapped to Lead Invasive Species Research Center

LSU AgCenter entomologist Rodrigo Diaz has been named director of the AgCenter’s Center for Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species. The center is working to advance the understanding of destructive nonnative insects, weeds, wildlife and disease-causing microorganisms.

With more than 40% of invasive species found in the United States being present in Louisiana, the center is a necessity to better understand and control them, said Matt Lee, LSU vice president for agriculture.

“Rodrigo Diaz has conducted research in the control of the invasive roseau cane scale and giant salvinia,” Lee said.

Diaz, whose research has focused on the study of invasive species impact on managed and natural ecosystems, will facilitate the direction and management of the center; develop research goals and objectives; and coordinate research, education, and outreach activities.

“We will use our expertise to conduct risk assessments, develop monitoring programs and advance eradication and control measures,” Diaz said. “Additionally, we need to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, land managers, farmers and citizens.”

Currently, the center has collaborators at Southern University, LSU, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

With the diversity of organisms and landscapes in Louisiana, Diaz said he envisions a dynamic team, allowing for recruitment of collaborators based on expertise.

Invasive species cause $120 billion in damage in the U.S each year, harming agricultural production, human habitation, forestland, wetland, and native species. They threaten economic and ecological stability, displace native species and increase agricultural production costs.

Louisiana is home to some of the most destructive invasive species found in the United States. The AgCenter has long

Rodrigo Diaz, LSU AgCenter entomologist, has been named the director of the AgCenter’s Center for Research Excellence for the Study of Invasive Species.

worked to monitor and manage them.

“The center would benefit Louisiana by promoting interdisciplinary research, fostering proactive management strategies and enhancing stakeholder collaboration with the goal of safeguarding the state's agricultural, ecological and economic interests from the impact of invasive species,” Diaz said.

With the connectivity of ecosystems, particularly via the Mississippi River, Diaz said the center initiatives could mitigate the spread of invasive species beyond borders and develop regional management plans.

Michael Stout, head of the LSU AgCenter Department of Entomology, is involved in research with the center and said the AgCenter is uniquely positioned for this work.

“The LSU AgCenter in general, and the Department of Entomology in particular, have a long history as leaders in the field of integrated pest management. Many of the pests on which our faculty conduct research are invasive pests,” Stout said. “Invasive pests will probably increase in importance in the coming decades in Louisiana due to the state’s subtropical climate, proximity to ports of entry, and the presence of diverse cropping systems.”

Stout said in addition to the research, the center will develop educational programs to increase the awareness of the importance of invasives by the public and engage them in the effort to prevent entry and manage established pests.

— Tobie Blanchard, LSU AgCenter

RODRIGO DIAZ

Dr. Trent Irby

Disease Management in California

DR. LUIS ESPINO CALIFORNIA

Rice Farming Systems Advisor

University of California Cooperative Extension laespino@ucanr.edu

ere are four main diseases that a ect rice in California: blast, stem rot, smut, and aggregate sheath spot. I listed them from more to less important.

While blast does not occur every year, it can be very damaging when it does. It is di cult to predict when an epidemic will happen, but I suspect that years with high relative humidity and warm nights are more favorable. Last year was one of those years. Blast was prevalent in the northwest part of the Valley, but there were reports from south Sutter County as well. Some dry-seeded elds were a ected severely. e yield reduction potential of blast is high; when the disease is severe, losses can be higher than 25%.

Stem rot occurs in all regions and is present in all elds. Over the years, some elds build up inoculum and end up having more severe stem rot. Over many trials, I have found that stem rot can reduce yield up to 12%.

Like blast, smut severity uctuates every year. In 2018, we had a severe epidemic. I think the overcast and humid conditions we had during heading because of res on the west side produced favorable conditions for smut. Smut is probably the most di cult disease to manage because there are no signs or symptoms until grain maturity, and at that point, it is too late to do anything. When smut incidence is high, it can compromise quality and yield.

Aggregate sheath is mostly related to potassium de ciency. Over the years, I have seen some a ected elds, but typically, the disease does not result in a drastic yield reduction like blast or stem rot.

Several practices can help reduce the incidence of all these diseases. Start with making sure you get a good stand, not too thin but also not too thick. ick stands may result in more tiller diseases because of the high humidity under the canopy. Avoid excess nitrogen; only put a nitrogen topdress if needed. Excess nitrogen favors blast, stem rot, and smut. Also, check potassium levels in your elds. Potassium de ciency can increase the incidence of stem rot and aggregate sheath spot. If you have been baling, this is very important because a lot of potassium is removed with the straw.

Keep the eld ooded; draining at any time increases the risk of blast. M-210 is the only variety resistant to blast. ere are no varieties resistant to stem rot or smut, but varieties di er in their susceptibility. Varieties with longer developmental times like M-211 and M-209 are less susceptible to stem rot than varieties with shorter developmental times like M-105 or CM-101. Long grains are more susceptible to smut than medium or short grains; among the medium grains, M-209 is the most susceptible.

Finally, consider a fungicide application when appropriate. Azoxystrobin (the active ingredient in Quadris) can reduce the incidence of blast, stem rot, and aggregate sheath spot when applied from mid-boot to very early heading. If smut is a concern, use propiconazole (the active ingredient in Tilt) at mid-boot.

Rice Blast

DR. RONNIE LEVY

LOUISIANA

Extension Rice Specialist Louisiana State University RLevy@agcenter.lsu.edu

Rice blast is caused by the fungus Pyricularia grisea. e disease is also called leaf blast, node blast, panicle blast, collar blast, and rotten-neck blast, depending on the portion of the plant a ected. Blast has been one of the most important diseases in Louisiana, causing severe yield losses to susceptible varieties under favorable environmental conditions. Blast can be found on the rice plant from the seedling stage to maturity.

e leaf blast phase occurs between the seedling and late tillering stages. Spots on leaves start as small white, gray, or blue tinged spots that enlarge quickly under moist conditions to either oval or diamond-shaped spots or linear lesions with pointed ends with gray or white centers and narrow brown borders. Leaves and whole plants are o en killed under severe conditions. Lesions on resistant plants are small brown specks that do not enlarge. On stem nodes, the host tissue turns black and becomes shriveled and gray as the plant approaches maturity. Culms and leaves become straw-colored above the infected node. Plants lodge or break o at the infected point, or they are connected only by a few vascular strands.

Rotten-neck symptoms appear at the base of the panicle starting at the node. e tissue turns brown to chocolate brown and shrivels, causing the stem to snap and lodge. If the panicle does

Leaf blast

DR. RONNIE

LEVY

Rotten-neck symptoms appear at the base of the panicle starting at the node. The tissue turns brown to chocolate brown and shrivels, causing the stem to snap and lodge.

not fall off, it may turn white to gray, or the florets that do not fill will turn gray. Panicle branches and stems of florets also have gray-brown lesions.

Scouting a field for blast should begin early in the season during the vegetative phase and continue through the season to heading. Leaf blast will usually appear in the high areas of the field where the flood has been removed or lost. Rice is most susceptible to leaf blast at the maximum tillering stage. Areas of heavy nitrogen fertilization and edges of the fields are also potential sites of infection. If leaf blast is in the field or has been reported in the same general area and if the variety is susceptible, fungicide applications are advisable to reduce rotten-neck blast.

The pathogen overwinters as mycelium and spores on infected straw and seed. Spores are produced from specialized mycelium called conidiophores and become wind-borne at night on dew or rain. The spores are carried by air currents and land on healthy rice plants. The spores germinate under high humidity and dew conditions and infect the plant. Generally, lesions will appear four to seven days later, and additional spores are produced. Plants of all ages are susceptible.

Medium-grain varieties are more susceptible to blast, especially during the leaf phase, than the long-grain varieties grown in Louisiana. Environmental conditions that favor disease development are long dew periods, high relative humidity, and warm days with cool nights. Agronomic practices that favor disease development include excessive N levels, late planting, and dry soil (loss of flood). The disease can be reduced by planting resistant varieties, maintaining a flood, proper N fertilizer, avoiding late planting and by applying a fungicide at proper rates and timings.

Scouting for blast should begin early in the season. If leaf blast is in the field or has been reported in the same general area, and if the variety is susceptible, fungicide applications are advisable to reduce rotten-neck blast. The absence of leaf blast does not mean rotten-neck blast will not occur. Fungicide timing is critical. If a single fungicide application is used to control blast, it should be applied when 50% to 70% of the heads have begun to emerge.

Application before or after this growth stage will not provide good control of this disease. This growth stage happens quickly, so it is important to scout for the crop growth stage at the same time as scouting for disease.

Allow time to obtain the fungicide and schedule the application. Under heavy blast pressure, two applications, one at boot and one at 50% to 70% heading, may be needed to effectively suppress blast.

Mind Your Disease

DR. JARROD T. HARDKE ARKANSAS

Professor/Rice Extension Agronomist University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture jhardke@uada.edu

Most seasons, we prefer to plant more of our familiar cultivars and save limited acreage for trying out new cultivars. However, the seed situation for 2024 has left many planting different and new (or at least new to them) rice cultivars. Watching out for possible disease issues could be an important aspect of success this season. Consult the 2024 Rice Management Guide (https://www.uaex.uada.edu/farm-ranch/crops-commercial-horticulture/rice/Rice-Management-Guide.pdf) for cultivar-specific disease ratings.

Sheath blight continues to be our primary disease concern each year in rice. In general, it seems we’ve been helped in recent years by cultivar improvements toward the disease and conditions that have limited its severity.

Based on our cultivar disease ratings, sheath blight ratings are very susceptible (VS), susceptible (S), or moderately susceptible (MS). Our threshold for considering a fungicide application to manage sheath blight is based on cultivar susceptibility, disease presence (percent positive stops when scouting), and whether the disease is threatening the upper canopy.

For cultivars rated VS or S, we may consider a fungicide application if we have 35% or more positive field stops and sheath blight is threatening the upper two to three canopy leaves. For cultivars rated MS, we recommend waiting until 50% or more positive field stops and sheath blight threatening the upper canopy leaves. Even if we have a high percentage of positive stops, that alone doesn’t mean you should consider applying a fungicide.

In 2022, plenty of sheath blight could be found, but due to dry conditions, it remained low in the canopy. In contrast, the 2023 season brought extended weather at mid-season that was favorable to sheath blight, and it extended toward the upper canopy resulting in necessary fungicide applications. If we can make it to heading with the upper two to three leaves clean, then we have outrun direct yield loss.

While not a major issue in recent years, we cannot forget about the potential for issues with blast. There will likely be an increase in 2024 of acreage grown to cultivars with more blast susceptibility than any time in recent years.

Some keys to better blast prevention and management revolve around water management and timing of fungicide applications. The more susceptible a cultivar is to blast, the greater the benefit to growing it under a flooded condition and maintaining a flood depth of 4 inches or more through reproductive growth.

If conditions are favorable for blast (weather, poor flood depth, reports of blast infection in field or surrounding fields), then we can consider fungicide applications for prevention of neck and panicle blast. If attempting to manage blast with a single fungicide application, it should be made when panicles of main tillers are 30%-50% emerged but the neck is still in the boot.

Optimal prevention of neck blast through use of fungicides is achieved by making two applications: the first during late boot to 10% panicle emergence, and the second when panicles of main tillers are 50%-75% emerged from the boot.

Remember to avoid excessive nitrogen rates and apply adequate potassium fertilizer to minimize disease problems in rice. Best of luck keeping the 2024 rice crop clean, and scout before you spray!

Sheath Blight Issues in Furrow-Irrigated Rice

DR. JUSTIN CHLAPECKA

MISSOURI

Assistant Research Professor/ Rice Extension Specialist University of Missouri jchlapecka@missouri.edu

As I write this article April 10, Missouri is already around 30% planted as we had a big run the first week of April. Planting date trials suggest that yield potential begins to decline when we get into May, so hopefully we’ve gotten the majority of the rice crop in before you’re reading this. Projections for Missouri rice acreage are hanging around 225,000 acres, and I’m in agreeance that this will likely be what we end up with in the Bootheel.

Caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, sheath blight has been an issue in furrow-irrigated rice and that issue has predominantly been at the top end of the field. The mindset of most experts earlier, including myself, was that it would be much less of a problem in furrow-irrigated rice. It’s safe to say we got that one wrong. While there is not a flood to float inoculum into contact with the sheaths, the disease inoculum is still present in the field. Counterintuitive to most earlier reasoning, reports from farmers and consultants and personal observation say that sheath blight is a much more common problem in furrow-irrigated rice than we would have thought, and in fact, the largest issue is at the top of the field.

Now let’s dive into that issue. While the sclerotia float and infect the plant at the water line in flooded rice, it can start at the soil line where a flood is not held because the sclerotia are still alive and well in that zone. Once infection occurs in furrow-irrigated rice, it may be more likely to spread due to slightly higher nitrogen rates

“The lack of a flood may keep the temperature higher under the canopy while the humidity remains very high due to muddy soil, creating an environment for sheath blight to thrive,” said Chlapecka.

and increased seeding rates. Also, the lack of a flood may keep the temperature higher under the canopy while the humidity remains very high due to muddy soil, creating an environment for sheath blight to thrive.

A strobilurin fungicide is still the best method of suppression for sheath blight. Avoiding a dense stand and excessive nitrogen rates are good cultural practices, but these practices may be needed to maximize furrow-irrigated rice yield potential. Growing a taller cultivar may also help, but that brings up another point: the rice is not growing as tall at the upper end of a row rice field, especially in situations with lower irrigation frequency, making it more susceptible to vertical progression of the sheath blight infection. The take-home message remains the same in furrow-irrigated rice, the upper two or three leaves must be threatened to cause significant yield reduction. Treatment threshold is 35% positive stops for a susceptible or very susceptible cultivar, and 50% positive stops for a moderately susceptible cultivar.

Ultimately, we would never recommend an automatic fungicide application in rice. However, it is imperative to scout your furrow-irrigated rice for sheath blight infection and be ready to pull the trigger if needed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and as always, God bless and eat MO rice!