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SEMO research into new rice strains

A Missouri research team is working to create new heat-tolerant and herbicide resistant rice strains. Dr. Christian DeGuzman, rice breeder with Southeast Missouri State University, says rice yields declined several years ago because of extreme heat which prompted their research, “We wanted to be proactive and we wanted to look forward to have a variety that is heat tolerant so just in case that happens again we have it ready.”

He says they are also working to develop a herbicide resistant strain of rice, “Clearfield is a trait that is patented with BASF and we have an agreement with BASF to develop those lines that have the trait.”

DeGuzman says they are working to finalize an agreement with BASF on a new trait with a different mode of action, Provisia. If Clearfield becomes resistant, he says, rice growers would have this other option. Growers are invited to the Rice Field Day to learn more at the Missouri Rice Research Farm, near Malden in Dunklin County on August 22nd.