News

The results of rice cultivar trials in Bootheel

A rice specialist is evaluating how different varieties of rice perform under diverse production systems in the Bootheel of Missouri.

Justin Chlapecka with University of Missouri Extension tells Brownfield yields are better when hybrid rice is planted earlier on flood irrigation. 

“When we planted in March or early April, we didn’t see the yield gap that normally we see later on,” he says. “You’ll always see the yield gap between hybrid and inbred varieties, but the economics are teetering which one is better based on your production system.”

Chlapecka says researchers are measuring milling yields, lodging potential, plant height and stalk strength. 

“If we don’t have adequate stalk strength, then rice may end up lodging and on the ground. It’s a huge nightmare trying to harvest and for grain quality, we’ll lose yield and slow down the combine.”

He says the university will continue the cultivar research trials in 2023. Missouri ranks fourth in U.S. rice production. Click here for more on the 2022 research results.