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Page 1: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Reaping the rewards of innovation

Page 2: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

© 2006 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved.

ISBN 1 74151 280 8 ISSN 1440-6845

Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D ProgramPublication No. 06/017

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 industries. The information should not be relied upon for the purpose of a particular matter. Specialist and/or appropriate legal advice should be obtained before any action or decision is taken on the basis of any material in this document. The Commonwealth of Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the authors or contributors do not assume liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from any person’s use or reliance upon the content of this document.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged.

Ms Margie Thomson General Manager Established Industries Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877Email: [email protected] Web: www.rirdc.gov.au

Achievements of RIRDC’s Rice Research & Development Program

• Continuous development of new rice varieties to maintain market growth in international and domestic markets.

• Selection of new varietal traits in rice that will lead to cold tolerant rice cultivars

• Commercialisation of new rice varieties, such as ‘Quest’, that significantly improve water use efficiency

• Discovering significant new information on rice nutrition

• Identifying individual varietal properties and their milling qualities that are useful for flour production

• Releasing an effective testing service for crop nitrogen management

• Releasing updates of the MaNage rice decision support system to guide improved fertiliser and water use by growers

• Improved weed control management practices, including the effective use of several new herbicides

• Determining the extent of herbicide resistance in the rice-growing regions of Australia

• Advice on how to identify and manage soil acidity in rice areas

• Improved bloodworm, earthworm and snail control in rice

• Understanding the influence of vertebrate diversity on rice farms

• Identifying the bacteria responsible for the growth of ‘brown slime’ and developing farm management tools to reduce its impact on rice yields

RIRDC Contact DetailsLevel 2 15 National Circuit BARTON ACT 2600PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: 02 6272 4819 Fax: 02 6272 5877

Page 3: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

The profitability, competitiveness and sustainability of Australian farmers are underpinned by research and development. Both government and industry recognise how critical R&D is, which is why we partner through our research and development corporations to drive rural innovation.

Australia’s rice industry – based mainly in the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valleys of southern New South Wales – has harvested major returns from its investment in innovation. Our rice industry is one of the most productive and efficient in the world. Australia’s producers work with government to fund innovation and rapidly adopt it.

The RIRDC Rice R&D program is an excellent example of targeted R&D yielding dividends for rice growers and the broader community. The program has a record of success in innovations that increases the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry. There are two main highlights: new varieties that give Australian growers the edge in international markets; and technology that dramatically increases the efficiency of water use.

RIRDC’s rice R&D program has delivered consistently high benefits for industry and the broader community. When the Centre for International Economics evaluated 157 projects they found:

• an average net benefit to investment ratio (NBIR) of 40

• an average internal rate of return (IRR) of 100 per cent

• that a total investment of $11 million had returned an estimated triple bottom line net benefit of $292 million. Of this return 59 per cent was estimated to be a direct return to rice growers with the remaining 41 per cent representing the estimated share of benefits flowing as environmental and social benefits of rice production.

The research results in this report underline the benefits of focussed R&D for rice growers and the community; they show an Australian rice industry that is innovative, focussed, progressive and successful.

The Hon. Sussan Ley

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Foreword

Sussan Ley, MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Page 4: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Reaping the rewards of R&D Innovation

Dr Peter O’Brien

Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Innovative, resourceful, resilient and totally committed – in many ways the Australian rice industry epitomises Australia’s rural industries.

Despite difficult years due to decreased water availability, the ongoing challenges of rising costs, global competition and unstable markets, the rice industry continues to achieve. That achievement is underpinned by innovation driven by research, development and extension!

RIRDC’s role is to invest in and manage R&D that meets industry and government priorities for a profitable, sustainable and dynamic rice industry. This book, Rice—Reaping the rewards of innovation shows how RIRDC and the rice industry are meeting challenges through innovation.

Together, RIRDC and the rice industry are facing enormous challenges and succeeding, through innovation, as many of the articles in this book, Rice – Reaping the Rewards of Innovation, attest.

RIRDC’s investment has helped the rice industry to radically improve its water use efficiency. It has supported the development of the six commercially viable rice varieties grown in Australia. It continues to seek environmentally friendly pest controls, to develop technologies for soil selection, and to assist in the creation of a knowledge environment across the industry.

The rice industry is proactive in identifying and profiling new markets. It has exceptional ability to prioritise and articulate its specific research requirements such as new varieties to meet consumer needs, cold tolerant rice to boost yield, and water saving mechanisms to meet environmental requirements. The industry is cohesive and inclusive. Through the Rice Growers’ Association and other networks it is outstanding at rapidly converting new research outcomes into standard industry practice.

Australia’s rice industry co-invests with Government in research and development. Both know that innovation is the key driver of productivity growth. In 2005, the Productivity Commission reported on a tight connection between research and development and productivity growth. It observed that the rural sector contributes more than double its share of productivity growth to the Australian economy. The rice industry earns its share of this accolade.

Achievement of RIRDC’s specific objective—to maximise the contribution of our research and development investments to the profitability, sustainability and resilience of rural industries and communities— is exemplified by its partnership with the Australian rice industry.

Dr Peter O’Brien

Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

Page 5: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Contents

10Cold ToleranceCold Tolerance now joins yield and quality as key indicators of varietal acceptance by the Australian rice industry.

6Australia’s Rice IndustryThe industry has a farm gate value of around $350 million and total value of over $800 million.

14Commitment to SustainabilityThe Rice CRC was a major catalyst in strengthening links between the research community and RIRDC R&D.

12Yield+Quality +Desire=SuccessAustralian rice goes to Japan and the Middle East.

8Less Water, More RiceThe Australian rice industry has improved water use efficiency by 60 per cent – this means more rice for less water.

16Narrowing the Gap—rice yieldsAn integrated approach to research to improve yields in the Western Murray Valley.

17Right Information –Right Time –Right PersonInitiatives like RiceCheck and the Rice Bulletin keep growers up to date.

18Environmental ChampionsThe Australian rice industry is a leader in meeting environmental challenges.

20Chemicals Down, Management Up - Controlling Bloodworms and EarthwormsMajor advances in reducing insecticides and better management techniques are working.

9Electromagnetic InductionA major achievement to help select the most suitable rice growing land.

Page 6: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Australia’s rice growing regionsRice Mills

AUSTRALIA’S RICEGROWING REGION

MURRUMBIDGEEIRRIGATION AREA

MURRAY VALLEYIRRIGATION DISTRICT

COLEAMBALLYIRRIGATION AREA Coleambally

Leeton

Deniliquin

Murray RiverM

urray River

Murrumbidgee River

Australia’s Rice Industry

The rice industry encompasses the Murray Valley of NSW and Victoria and the Murrumbidgee Valley of New South Wales.

Typically, around 150,000 – 160,000 hectares are sown to rice in October across this region producing an average of around 1.2 million tonnes of rice annually.

The industry has a farm gate value of around $350 million and total value (export earnings, value-added) of over $800 million. Including flow-

on effects, it is estimated that the industry generates over $4 billion annually to regional communities and the Australian economy.

Rice growers have individually invested over $2.5 billion in land, water, plant and equipment and collectively invested around $400 million in mill storage and infrastructure through the Ricegrowers’ Limited (SunRice) and the Rice Marketing Board of NSW (RMB).

The rice industry has also invested significantly in environmental improvement and impact reduction as part of its efforts towards better natural resource management and environmental stewardship. The Rice Environmental Program’s flagship is the Environmental Champions Program (ECP) which has received more than $1.8 million in funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry to implement a pilot program and roll out of the ECP.

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The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc. (RGA) is the collective voice of rice growers in Australia. The RGA represents over 1700 voluntary members by leading growers on issues affecting the viability of their business and communities.

The RGA aims to:

• Develop and implement policy for the rice industry that is in growers’ best interests.

• Represent the interests of ricegrowers to the Australian Government as well as State and Local Governments and their various agencies, the National Farmers’ Federation, SunRice, other interest groups, and to the community generally.

• Service the specific needs of individual members.

RIRDC’s Rice Program helps to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry which is one of the most productive and efficient rice industries in the world.

The program is funded by statutory levies paid by industry participants which are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Australian Government up to 0.5 per cent of the gross value of farm production.

The RIRDC Rice Program works closely with industry, researchers and partners to address research requirements and is assisted by an expert Rice R&D Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Committee works closely with RIRDC Management and the rice industry to develop a five year R&D plan setting out the priorities for research. The result is a program of research tightly focussed on industry needs and government priorities.

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia

The RIRDC Rice R&D Program

Page 8: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

0.000.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.90

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tonn

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Water Productivity for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area

Less Water, More Rice

Virtually all current rice varieties have come from the RIRDC Rice Program. These varieties and other technologies enabled industry to improve yields per megalitre by 83 per cent while simultaneously reducing water use by 45 per cent.

Water productivity has improved dramatically in the last 20 years.

In the past ten years the Australian rice industry has improved water use efficiency by 60 per cent – this means that more rice is grown with less water.

With the added pressure of decreased water availability, the bar has been raised again. The industry, through research, development and extension aims to further increase system yield per hectare by at least 50 per cent with a further 25 per cent saving in on farm water use per hectare.

To achieve these aims the industry will build on successes in developing more efficient rice cultivars, optimising water management,

improving rice farming systems and extension and technology transfer.

All of the rice varieties grown commercially in Australia have been developed specifically to have low water usage and high yield per hectare. The development of cold tolerant rice will further dramatically increase yield.

Rice, like other crops, suffers from large in-field variability of production. The potential for increased returns through precision agriculture is considerable. Research has already indicated the possibility of using remote sensing to assist nitrogen management to increase

rice yields and nitrogen and water use efficiency. Further precision agriculture research promises to deliver at least a 1 tonne per ha increase in average yield over rice-based systems.

Major gains have been made simply through getting the latest research outcomes to rice growers in order that they become even more efficient and productive whilst continuing to reduce their environmental impact. Innovative information dispersal and liaison channels throughout the industry will continue to be developed and implemented.

The success of the Australian rice industry has gone hand-in-hand with the rapid development and uptake of technology. Australian rice growers pride themselves on being the most efficient in the world but recognise that they need to continue to take up new technologies and practices to remain competitive.

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Australia is already one of the world’s most water-efficient rice producers. A technique initially developed through RIRDC-supported research and modified by the CRC for Sustainable Rice Production is now taking it a significant step further through selection of water-efficient soils.

The main threat to all irrigated agriculture in southern Australia is salinisation due to rising water tables. Electromagnetic induction surveys enables the farmer, who must meet stringent controls to maintain industry sustainability and satisfy environmental standards, to make rapid and comprehensive surveys of land in order to select the most suitable for rice growing.

Already enthusiastically taken up by irrigators such as the Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative Ltd, with more than 80 per cent of the Coleambally Irrigation Area now surveyed, the technique uses

electromagnetic induction (EM) to create a picture of the soil to a depth of five metres or more allowing targeted soil sampling that is combined with evaluation of soil chemical properties particularly soil sodicity. Soil sodicity levels have been related to decreased soil permeability especially in clay soils. EM surveys combined with soil sodicity assessment indicate minimal deep drainage to the groundwater system.

A Geonics EM-31 instrument is mounted on a 4WD motor cycle to carry out rapid field surveys to help pick the land likely to use the least water.

The instrument senses variation in bulk electrical conductivity in the soil. It responds to variations in salinity, clay content, moisture, and the bulk density of the soil. This electromagnetic surveying is then backed up by targeted soil sampling combined with evaluation of soil

chemical properties.

Australia’s rice crop grows on an average area of around 150,000 hectares. The industry’s goal is a production standard of more than ten tonnes of grain per hectare. The industry also has a target of one tonne of rice per megalitre of water; the current figure is about 700 kg per megalitre.

The new soil testing approach is a major step in achieving both goals - while at the same time helping to prevent salinity and provide water for the environment.

The study of economic benefit to the industry of the new EM technique showed excellent results. Adding these benefits to the environmental ones, indicate this technique is highly significant in maintaining future profitability and sustainability of the rice industry.

Pinpoints Water Efficient Soils

Electromagnetic Induction

Adoption of electromagnetic soil mapping technology (EM31) to identify leaking soils and exclude them from production areas has significantly reduced water use.

EM31 linked to a global positioning system (GPS) has been widely used to select rice suitable soils, as shown by Brian Dunn.

Page 10: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Rice farmer Bernie Walsh with Tim Farrell from the CRC and UQ using cold water from a bore to test cold tolerance of rice varieties.

Cold Tolerance

Cold tolerance now joins yield and quality as key indicators of varietal acceptance by the Australian rice industry.

Low temperatures affect rice seedlings and are a major yield limiting factor for the Australian rice industry. Cold stress effects at seedling stage leads to poor seedling establishment, which accounts for productivity losses of up to $30 million per annum.

About once in every three years the rice crop also suffers from cold damage at the reproductive (microspore development) stage leading to spikelet sterility, which accounts to up to $120 million loss. Hence, breeding for cold tolerance is one of the research priorities for the Australian rice industry.

Cold during January and February reduces yield by more than 1 tonne per hectare one year in three and more than 2 tonnes per hectare one year in ten. Cold damage at this

time can reduce yield of some crops to zero.

This is illustrated by the industry-wide yields since 1990 where cold in 1996 and again in 2005 had a dramatic effect on rice yield.

It is known that some varieties are more tolerant than others. A large investment by RIRDC and the Rice CRC has studied many aspects of this problem in the past ten years.

Initial research results indicated:• cold kills pollen and reduces seed set. This is due to a

failure in the starch supply system to the pollen and has been linked to enzymes surrounding the pollen grains

• an improvement in variety tolerance of just 4°C could eliminate the drastic effects of cold

• some varieties have this level of tolerance but they do not have the quality or yield potential characters

10

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“Most varieties can withstand the heat, particularly because of the evaporative cooling the water provides. But temperatures below 15°C can be devastating,” Laurie Lewin says, citing Leeton’s 12°C maximum in February 2005.

required for Australian rice production.

RIRDC funded projects have shown that deep water at the critical stage protects the developing pollen but that damage still occurs in the most severe conditions.

Seedling cold tolerance and reproductive cold tolerance were correlated in trial work done on specially developed lines. This suggests that cold tolerance can be selected in seedlings – at least in the populations tested.

New selection techniques have been formulated to develop new cold tolerant rice and a new program has

been implemented by rice breeder Dr Peter Snell to produce new, improved cold tolerant varieties.

Current RIRDC supported research by Dr Snell aims to:• use recently established protocols

for assessing cold tolerance in rice for accelerated breeding of adapted germplasm which will confer a 3–7°C improvement in cold tolerance

• ensure the six quality classes of rice currently commercially grown also benefit from the research into cold tolerance.

Significant outcomes are expected in the next five years.

Dr Peter Snell inspecting rice trials near Yanco Research Institute.

Rice on left has set no grain due to cold at the reproductive stage.

Sowing rice from the air is a reliable and efficient method for the cool water

conditions in Australia.

11

Page 12: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

An unrelenting emphasis on high yield, excellent quality and market focus has resulted in major successes for the varietal improvement program supported by RIRDC and the Australian rice grower.

Significantly large, new markets in established industries are rare and precious things. So with the opening up of the Japanese market following the signing of the international General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in the mid-90s, the Australian rice industry’s focus turned north and the race was on to develop varieties acceptable to the North Asian market. They are high yielding and water effcient in Australian conditions.

Just as the English are connoisseurs of teas and the French meticulous about sauces, for Japanese consumers rice must have particular taste qualities. Australian rice varieties often don’t fill the culinary bill with many having unacceptable taste for the Japanese palate. Others are simply not sticky when cooked which the Japanese want.

Japanese cuisine needs special rice. It must be soft cooking and have a pleasant, creamy texture with a delicate mouth feel. Not only must it be superb when hot but it also must be soft and creamy when cold to be suitable for sushi.

Japanese style rice generally has short, round grains that are smaller than the traditional Australian medium grained varieties. The Japanese have a particular liking for the variety Koshihikari which has the special quality required for their cuisine. Unfortunately Koshihikari has low yield under Australian conditions.

With the need for this style of rice obvious – for the North Asia market and for the increasing demand for Japanese style cuisine throughout the world – the Australian rice industry and RIRDC took up the challenge.

Middle East GiftThe Australian rice industry aims to win a bigger share of the lucrative Middle East market, where consumers place a lot of importance on grain size – big and bold is seen as beautiful!

The quality, taste and milling properties of our rice are acceptable with a quarter of Australia’s rice crop already going to the Middle East, but there’s stiff competition from Egypt.

The Reizig variety has been developed to address the size issue.

North to Japan

Yield + Quality +

Turkish Air Dried Beef Pilaf with Chickpeas and Rose Labneh

Serves 6

For the Pilaf 1 large brown onion, finely diced 80 ml olive oil 500 g medium grain rice 800 ml Chicken stock Pinch ground Cinnamon 80 g Bastourma (Turkish air-dried beef), finely sliced and cut into batons

100 g cooked chickpeas Juice 1 lemon 1 clove garlic crushed with 1 tsp sea salt For the Labneh 1 kg natural yoghurt (sheep’s milk for a richer result)

1 garlic clove, crushed with 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons rose water

To make Pilaf In a large heavy base pot, sauté onions with bastourma in 40mls

hot olive oil until translucent. Add rice and continue cooking so each

grain is well coated with oil (approx. 1 min.)

Add chickpeas and pour boiling stock over rice. Lightly season with

sea salt and cinnamon . Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 30 min.

Remove from heat, blend the lemon with the garlic and

fork through the pilaf. Serve with Rose Labneh To make Labneh

Scoop the yoghurt into a clean muslin square, cheesecloth or tea-towel.

Mix in the garlic paste, then sprinkle over the rose water. Tie the four

Corners of cloth together to form a hanging bag and suspend from a

wooden spoon over a deep bowl. Allow to drain in the refrigerator

for between 48-72 hours (the longer the time, the firmer the result).

When ready to serve, form into smooth round balls or quenelle shapes

using spoons. Make an indentation in the top, fill with rosewater

and a big drop of extra virgin olive oil.

12

Page 13: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Desire = Success

Oryza sativa cv. Opus was released to Australian farmers in 1999 to provide high yielding Australian rice which would be suitable for Japanese style cooking.

Opus combined the best characteristics from its two parents.

Bogan gave it high yield and good response to nitrogen under Australian conditions. Koshihikari gave it small grains and the special cooking quality required for Japanese cuisine.

The original cross between Bogan and Koshihikari was made in 1988

so it took eleven years from original cross to release. New techniques were developed to select for the special quality characters required and these allowed the development of a variety with exceptional quality characters.

With its greater yield than Koshihikari, Opus has had excellent take up and now accounts for 62 per cent of the rice area targeting Japanese cuisine.

Its earlier maturity than major medium grain rices has given it an important place for the Murray Valley where rice grower Geoff Wright relies on it. “It has been an important part of my rotation and given me stable yields – a very reliable variety”, he says.

Reiziq, Oryza sativa cv. was released in 2004, the International Year of Rice, with the first sales in the Middle East commencing mid-2005.

Arabic for ‘special gift’, Reiziq, is already showing clear signs of living up to its name and becoming a premium product throughout the Middle East region.

At the launch of Reiziq, Melbourne based chef Greg Malouf, of the acclaimed MoMo restaurant, praised Reiziq for its cooking quality and suitability for Middle East rice dishes. Following his spectacular cooking

demonstration and tasting experience of Middle East Pilaff (recipe opposite) based on Reiziq, Malouf commented “It is a superb variety for Middle East cuisine and I predict it will be highly regarded in that part of the world and in all markets looking for this style of rice.”

Reiziq is a high quality Japonica medium grain combining excellent taste and texture characteristics. It has the cooking characteristics of the industry main stay Amaroo but with a bold grain size. The significantly larger grain size has the added bonus

of differentiating the Australian product from that of our main competitor Egypt.

Growers are also pleased with the new variety as it is slightly quicker maturing than Amaroo and has similar or slightly better yield potential. Despite its larger grain size, seeding rates do not need to increase; it has good seedling vigour and is slightly shorter in stature than Amaroo.

The program has encompassed the development of all important Australian varieties and has ensured Australian rice is among the world’s highest yields with 100 per cent take up of new varieties. Key examples are Opus, developed specifically for the Japanese market and Reizig bound for the Middle East.

Opus

Reiziq

Opus vs Koshihikari Yield

0123456789

10

99 00 01 02 03 04 05

Year

Gra

in y

ield

(t/h

a)

KoshihikariOpus

Since its release Opus has been grown on 62 per cent of the area of rice for Japanese cuisine. It has always yielded more than Koshihikari

Turkish Air Dried Beef Pilaf with Chickpeas and Rose Labneh

Serves 6

For the Pilaf 1 large brown onion, finely diced 80 ml olive oil 500 g medium grain rice 800 ml Chicken stock Pinch ground Cinnamon 80 g Bastourma (Turkish air-dried beef), finely sliced and cut into batons

100 g cooked chickpeas Juice 1 lemon 1 clove garlic crushed with 1 tsp sea salt For the Labneh 1 kg natural yoghurt (sheep’s milk for a richer result)

1 garlic clove, crushed with 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons rose water

To make Pilaf In a large heavy base pot, sauté onions with bastourma in 40mls

hot olive oil until translucent. Add rice and continue cooking so each

grain is well coated with oil (approx. 1 min.)

Add chickpeas and pour boiling stock over rice. Lightly season with

sea salt and cinnamon . Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 30 min.

Remove from heat, blend the lemon with the garlic and

fork through the pilaf. Serve with Rose Labneh To make Labneh

Scoop the yoghurt into a clean muslin square, cheesecloth or tea-towel.

Mix in the garlic paste, then sprinkle over the rose water. Tie the four

Corners of cloth together to form a hanging bag and suspend from a

wooden spoon over a deep bowl. Allow to drain in the refrigerator

for between 48-72 hours (the longer the time, the firmer the result).

When ready to serve, form into smooth round balls or quenelle shapes

using spoons. Make an indentation in the top, fill with rosewater

and a big drop of extra virgin olive oil.

1�

Page 14: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Committed to Sustainability

David Troldahl, Technical Officer at Yanco working on the breeding program.

The CRC for Sustainable Rice Production was established in 1997 to increase the economic contribution of the rice industry to the regional and national economy through increased production efficiency, increased revenue from new value-added products and increased exports, and improvements in the management of soil and water resources.

At its closure in June 2005 major steps in achieving this mission had been achieved.

Through developing and strengthening long term collaboration between industry, research organisations, educational institutions and government agencies, significantly greater benefits were obtained from

Australia’s investment in research and development.

The CRC brought together more than 150 participants from 10 organisations and harnessed more than $50 million to provide research, extension and education covering natural resource management, production, genetic improvement, processing and education.

Innovation, rapid adoption, sound environmental management and the development of human capital underlie the sustainable prosperity of the Australian rice industry.

To achieve sustainability the industry recognises the value of its linkages with the rice research community, and RIRDC as a major contributor to research, development and extension.

The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Sustainable Rice Production proved a major catalyst in strengthening such linkages.

The CRC for Sustainable Rice Production

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Page 15: Reaping the rewards of innovation - Agrifutures Australia · Reaping the Rewards of Innovation—RIRDC’s Rice R&D Program Publication No. 06/017 The information contained in this

Testing the level of cracks in rice (suncracking). High levels of cracked grain reduces milling quality.

A conservative estimate of the CRC’s research impact from an economic viewpoint is $7 million per annum, but this amount can easily expand into tens or even hundreds of millions per year as CRC developed technologies are fully adopted.

Former CRC Director, Dr Laurie Lewin, says “The CRC programs to manage salinity and water tables are important in underpinning an environmentally sustainable industry. This will be assisted by the work on cold tolerance which will flow through to varieties to improve productivity and water use.

“More importantly the CRC helped

develop the human resource to sustain the future of the industry.

“The research was important, the education essential and the development of human capital was an invaluable contribution of the CRC,” he says.

The CRC supported education through its vocational, undergraduate and post graduate programs. CRC sponsored courses resulted in more than 1000 undergraduates receiving training in water management.

While almost three-quarters of its resources were spent on research, a significant proportion went to education and commercialization/

technology transfer. Just under half of its personnel were professional researchers and a quarter students.

RIRDC was a major cash contributor to the CRC for Sustainable Rice Production and was involved in monitoring its programs.

“The research was important, the education essential and the development of human capital was an invaluable contribution of the CRC.”Dr Laurie Lewin, former CRC Director

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Narrowing the Gap—Rice Yields

Low Yield in WMV

Grain yield in the WMV was consistently below that of other areas. The yield gap appeared to be getting worse. The reasons for the difference were not clear but appeared to be related to lower temperatures.

A team of researchers and extension officers from CSIRO and NSW

Department of Primary Industry initiated the Constraints to Rice Establishment in the WMV project to address the problem.

This project looked at the reasons for lower yields and found that temperatures were not the main reason for differences in yield. Muddy water at establishment was a major cause.

The project team then developed guidelines to minimise the effects of muddy water and to provide guidelines on the use of gypsum, which can clear muddy water but can also increase additions to the water table particularly in the WMV.

An extension program to improve establishment was also developed

with WMV growers as the target audience.

The project and the extension program have made a difference. Yields have generally improved in the region and the gap between the two areas has narrowed since the project was completed in 1999.

Australian rice yields have steadily improved with the support of rice production research funded through the RIRDC Rice R&D program. This research has particularly concentrated on rice nutrition. Work on the role of nitrogen and other nutrients in the production system has resulted in a well supported nitrogen tissue test and assisted the continued development of the MaNage rice decision support system. The integrated approach to rice production research is illustrated through a project to improve yields in the Western Murray Valley (WMV).

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WMV YieldEMV Yield

Amaroo Yield in E and W MV

The gap between yield of the rice variety Amaroo in the Eastern and Western Murray Valley. Note closing of the yield gap with outcomes from project extended to growers from 1999.

Clearing the water helped establishment in the Western Murray Valley.

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Right Information–Right Time –Right Person

RiceCheck

RiceCheck, an initiative of RIRDC, RGA and NSW Department of Primary Industry, has been significant in ensuring rapid and effective technology transfer.

Ricecheck is a holistic crop management system and farmer participatory extension approach which provides objective recommendations linked to crop checking to improve yields, grain quality and profitability.

It provides the best management practices for ricegrowing based on knowledge from the latest technology and on farm experience.

The RiceCheck components are the key check recommendations, farmer discussion groups, crop data records

and database which gives feedback to farmers on their crop results.

RiceCheck has provided the framework for collaboration between farmers, research and extension. It recognises that farmer learning and knowledge is as important as research and extension knowledge. As an extension method it is bottom-up, small group driven. It has created a learning culture, and has also led to closer collaboration between farmers and key stakeholders.

As a measure of its success, the RiceCheck program has stimulated much overseas interest with follow-up programs in Chile, Malaysia and interest in the Philippines.

A Pilot Rice Bulletin

A review of extension delivery to

growers (Building capacity for change in the rice industry: RUE-1A, 02/009) indicated that the growers felt over-run with information which arrived in a disjointed way and could not be assimilated. They needed a way to keep informed in a timely fashion.

A web based system was developed to enable growers to access the information in an easy and timely manner. An email bulletin strategy was honed. Using the RGA website as a host, important information was loaded into this system and important research findings, dates, and other information was sent to growers fortnightly.

The trial of the new bulletin has been an outstanding success. Those using the system voted that they were better informed and organised.

Pinpointing the right spot on the ‘silence to noise’ spectrum so the right information is being received at the right time by the right person is a huge challenge. This challenge continues to be met by the rice industry with major successes in the continued development of active and effective extension programs.

Using the RiceCheck ‘ring of confidence’ to measure mid-season nitrogen uptake.

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A total industry commitment to change underpinned by innovative leadership has resulted in the Australian Rice Industry becoming a recognised leader in meeting environmental challenges.

Environmental Champions is a five level achievement program that guides growers through a series of activities. Each level contains different actions to gain credit under a program linking on-farm action with catchment improvement. The program design is to connect environmental performance with better farm business performance.

The program brings together the many and somewhat complex regional environmental requirements into a streamlined user-friendly process. Although based on Environmental Management Systems (EMS) principles, the thinking of the industry goes beyond this. While conscious of the need for flexibility, the Champions program sets the bar for industry standards in environmental performance.

The Environmental Champions Program for rice-based systems is unique in the degree of cooperation it has had in its development. Rice growers, various government agencies and organisations have come together and collectively agreed on a pathway to environmental excellence.

The RIRDC Rice Program works closely with the RGA to provide research support to the Environmental Champions. This program has been acknowledged widely as one of the most progressive for an Australian industry. This has recently been acknowledged by the Australian Government which has awarded further funding.

“The positive outcomes achieved through being involved in theEnvironmental Champions Program are not restricted to the rice enterprise. They will improve our farming operations as a whole.”Warren and Allison Lang, Finley

Environmental Champions

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Level 1: Basic Industry Standards

Involves legislative and policy targets. Most farmers will find they are already undertaking some of these actions. Activities include chemical training and storage, irrigation education, meeting crop delivery standards and irrigation licence requirements and no net loss of vegetation.

Level 2: Planning for Beyond Industry Standards

Planning and establishing strategies enabling responsible environmental management. Activities include identifying risks on farm, better water use efficiency, ground monitoring, off farm drainage, planning, improved stubble management and undertaking a whole farm plan.

Level 3: Putting Plans into Action & Enhancing Biodiversity on Farm

Putting plans developed in Level 2 into practice. A large focus on biodiversity activities. Activities include farm planning, biodiversity recovery, addressing salinity and soils issues and undertaking some greenhouse reduction activities.

“The Environmental Champions Program is a ‘one stop shop’ and a neat package to work towards environmental and productive sustainability for the rice industry.”Helen and Nayce Dalton, Yenda

“As irrigation water users, we have a responsibility to convert that into biodiversity, into reduced greenhouse emissions and into quality waterways. Environmental outcomes have become part of our core business. The ECP has added structure and rigour to our activities. It highlights our achievements but more importantly objectively identifies our deficiencies.”Leigh Vial, Mallan

“The program has been developed by rice growers with input from many groups that have a good knowledge of the environment. The program is practical and more importantly, credible and is an environmental management system that the whole industry can adopt and benefit from”David and Sally Marsden, Finley

Level 4: Trade, Innovation & Eco-Efficiencies

Incorporate activities providing a financial return to the grower as well as an environmental return. Activities include energy efficiency, renewable use and generation, addressing waste and water and reducing greenhouse gases.

Level 5: Regional Efforts Towards Catchment Sustainability

Growers work in conjunction with others to achieve environmental outcomes for the whole region, not just on their farm. Activities include looking at land use options on a regional scale, engaging in carbon & salinity trade and addressing other landscape and river issues.

Soil sampling to provide soils to test the fate of herbicides in selected rice soils.

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Major advances in reducing the rate of insecticides, the pursuit of environmentally friendly solutions and better paddy management techniques are dramatically changing rice industry pest control.

Although Australian rice is not attacked by the world’s major rice pests, various pests do affect the crop at the time of establishment, including bloodworms and earthworms.

Bloodworms

Control of bloodworms is particularly important as all aerial sown crop must be treated to avoid establishment failure.

While the pursuit of a chemical free control of bloodworms continues, significant decreases in the amount of chemicals required for control represents a major gain.

Bloodworms are the larvae of chironomid midges, small flies that superficially resemble mosquitoes. Growers currently apply two chemical treatments for bloodworm control.

RIRDC funded research undertaken by Dr Mark Stevens at Yanco Agricultural Institute has shown that through isolating the active ingredient both application rates and accurate targeting can be achieved. The Yanco work has found alphacypermethrin requires an application rate of only 10g active insecticide per hectare, while the industry standard treatment, chlorpyrifos is applied at 75g active per hectare. The level of control provided by alphacypermethrin is at least as good as chlorpyrifos.

Fipronil, the result of earlier RIRDC-supported research by Dr Stevens, is now widely used as a treatment for bloodworms. This material can provide control at only 9g active per hectare, and appears to be highly selective, unlike the majority of other bloodworm control treatments which show broad-spectrum activity.

The latest research focuses on the ‘holy grail’ of insect control, a completely environmentally friendly alternative. Dr Stevens has found that bloodworms release a compound

into the water of rice fields which deters adult rice bloodworm midges looking for suitable egg laying sites. His research is moving to identify the compound.

Earthworms

Aquatic earthworms are the only invertebrate pests of rice not native to Australia, having been introduced to this country approximately 100 years ago.

The incidence of aquatic earthworm damage has been declining in recent years, due to changes in crop rotation practices associated with reduced water availability.

Data from the crop rotation study in Deniliquin has further supported changed rotation sequences as a means of earthworm control.

Growing dryland crops, particularly winter cereals, without intervening rice crops is a particularly effective method of lowering worm populations, whilst irrigated pastures are to be avoided prior to rice.

Chemicals Down, Management UpControlling Bloodworms & Earthworms

Top Left: Larva (top) and pupa of the rice bloodworm, Chironomus tepperi. Top right: Damage (left) to roots of rice seedlings. Bottom left: Aquatic earthworm, Esukerria saltensis. Bottom right: Aquatic earthworms damage rice establishment by creating an unfavourable environment. They do not feed on rice.

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Snapshots of RIRDC Rice Research and Development

Rice-based diets for protection against intestinal bacterial infectionsIdentifies the effects of cooked white rice in diets for weanling pigs as a nutritional strategy for controlling post-weaning diarrhoea without reliance on growth promoting antibiotics. by Prof J Pluske, Prof D Hampson ,05/143, $21

Improvement of Rice Grain QualityIdentifies factors that impact on per cent whole grain millout and evaluates the ability of ricegrowers to maximise the quality of the rice grain produced through management of rice growing and harvesting practices. Clampett, R Williams and J Lacy, 04/005, $16

Increasing Cold Tolerance in Rice by Selecting for High Polyamine and Gibberellic Acid ContentCold stress affects rice crop at seedling stage leading to poor seedling establishment, which accounts for the productivity losses of up to $30 million per annum. Once in 4 years rice crop also suffers from cold damage at reproductive stage which accounts to up to $120 million loss. Previous RIRDC funded projects revealed that external application of Osmoprotectants and Gibberellic Acid (GA) played a pivotal role in increasing rice cold tolerance. The results of this project revealed that there are genetic differences in rice for spermine (osmoprotectant) - and GA-accumulating ability associated with cold tolerance. This project also demonstrates that cultivars with higher cold tolerance at the seedling establishment stage will also have higher cold tolerance at reproductive stage. These findings are highly useful for the agronomists and plant breeders involved in developing cold tolerant rice cultivars. Naidu Bodapati et al , 05/090

Flavour qualities of new Australian fragrant rice cultivarsThis project assists with the development of Australian fragrant rices by: • investigating the aroma of new breeding

lines• comparing these to imported varieties using

both sensory studies and analysis of the volatile components

• determining the effect of nitrogen fertiliser level on rice aroma

• developing methods for early generation screening of rice fragrance

• investigating the biosynthetic and other pathways of volatile component formation.

Kirstin Wilkie and Michael Wootton , 04/160, $16

Rotational weed control practices for riceEffective weed management is a critical factor in attaining profitable rice production in all regions of the world. In Australia where rice is produced as an irrigated summer crop, yields must be high (typically > 9 t/ha) in order to be profitable in comparison to competing uses for the limited irrigation water. Australian ricegrowers aim for freedom from weed competition throughout the life of the crop and particularly the first 45 days after seeding. In order to achieve this, precision field leveling, clean seed, weed free seedbeds and rapid inundation are integrated with timely and accurate herbicide application. The Australian rice industry has long recognised the importance of effective weed management with constant investment in weed control research for nearly 30 years. Agropraisals Pty. Ltd. have assisted with this research for the past decade.M Taylor, 04/001, $16

Marker Assisted Selection in Rice ImprovementMolecular markers are pieces of DNA that flag the presence or absence of particular traits. The application of molecular markers as a new tool for rice improvement in Australia will improve the efficiency of capturing desirable characters in new rice varieties. This research identifies, adapts and evaluates molecular markers for routine use in the Australian rice-breeding program. The major component of the work involved the development of markers for the major fragrance gene (fgr), grain elongation on cooking and blast disease resistance.M Christopher et al. 04/011, $16

Herbicide Resistance Development in Dirty Dora (Cyperus difformis) and Star Fruit (Damasonium Minus)Herbicide resistance provides a threat to the Australian Rice Industry. Already, resistance has been recorded in dirty dora, arrowhead and starfruit to the herbicide bensulfuron (LondaxÒ) and may necessitate significant changes to the cultural programs for rice. At the request of the Rice Research Committee, a preliminary study was undertaken to evaluate whether the resistance was based on a single gene and how the resistance might develop through generations, using material generated through the Charles Sturt University herbicide resistance testing service. This research outlines the findings of that investigation which is unable to provide unequivocal answers to the questions raised, but suggests that the process is more complex.P Baines and J Pratley, 04/009, $16

Molecular Methods for Hybrid Rice ProductionProvides information to help solve the problems that prevent the use of hybrid seed technology in Australia and provides additional tools to understand and manipulate flower development. to this end.J Mayer and R Jefferson, 04/003, $16

Identification and Management of Soil Acidity in irrigated lands of Southern NSWSoil acidification under current agricultural practices is an important land degradation process. Increasing soil acidity causes reduced yield, leading to reduced water and land use efficiency and a reduced range of crop species that can successfully be grown within the irrigated cropping system. Irrigated cropping industries of the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valleys in southern NSW are primarily rice based farming systems. Whilst rice under flooded conditions is relatively unaffected by soil pH, crops potentially grown in rotation with rice may be significantly affected by low soil pH. This publication reports investigations into changes in surface soil acidity over time and the extent and severity of topsoil and subsoil acidity in irrigated lands of southern NSW.H Beecher and B Lake, 04/007, $16

Developing Rices suitable for export to JapanRIRDC has, in its long association with the rice industry of NSW, given support to rice improvement and grain quality. The project discussed in this report was funded at a time when Australia did not sell rice to Japan. By the conclusion of the project, however, we were marketing rice into that country and an understanding of their preferences was important to us gaining a substantial share of the available market. As a result of this project one rice variety, Millin, was released specifically for Japan and this enabled the industry to gain market share.A Blakeney et al., 04/006, $16

Integrated weed management strategies for the rice weeds (Cyperus difformis and Alisma plantago aquatica)Weed control is one of the major input costs of crop production. In most cases, farmers depend on herbicides to provide that control to produce an economic crop. It is common that weeds result in 10-30 per cent yield depressions and in some cases can cause complete devastation of the crop. This report gathers knowledge towards the development of integrated weed management (IWM) strategies, focusing on dirty dora and water plantainJ Pratley et al., 04/008, $16

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Improving Bloodworm, Earthworm and Snail Control in RiceEvaluates potential new control procedures for bloodworm, earthworm and snails, with the overall goal of minimising crop damage whilst limiting the use of synthetic pesticides to the lowest possible levels. Mark M. Stevens , 03/083, $16

Rice Cultivars and Endophytic Bacteria - more effective nitrogen-fixing associationsThis research describes the types of interactions which occur between seedlings of Australian rice cultivars and a range of bacterial and Rhizobium strains. It details the extent and pattern of rice plant colonisation, as well as the degree to which the growth of rice seedlings is influenced, and how environmental factors can influence the outcome. It also identifies genetic regions within a model bacterial strain that are essential to the interaction of the bacteria with rice.Professor Barry G. Rolfe et al , 01/175, Free

Relating minerals in rice shoots and grain to soil tests, yield and grain qualityInvestigates the relationship between the mineral concentrations in soil and in the rice plant shoots and grain. The variation in mineral concentrations in plant tissue within a rice paddock is also examined. The use of critical nutrient levels in rice shoots to provide a basis for diagnosing problem crops is also discussed.Graeme D Batten , 02/101, $16

Determining the extent of herbicide resistance in the rice-growing regions of southern AustraliaPresents base line data on the extent of herbicide resistance in the major weeds of rice to the herbicides used for their control in the Murrumbidgee (MIA), Coleambally (CIA) and Murray Valley (MVID) rice growing regions.J.E. Pratley et al , 01/40, $16

Application of molecular markers to rice breeding in AustraliaExamines molecular markers for routine use in the Australian rice-breeding program primarily the development of markers for the semi-dwarfing gene sd-1 and the major fragrance gene fgr. Describes the development and assessment of four useful markers for sd-1 and three useful markers for fgr. Stephen Garland &Robert Henry , 01/38, $16

Weed Control in Rice Crops – Suitability of Rhynchosporium alilsmatis as a Mycoherbicide for Integrated Management of Damasonium minus in rice fieldsWeed control in many crops, especially rice, has typically been focused on the use of chemical herbicides. Herbicide resistance is now a major concern to the farming industry and integrated weed management is becoming more important in all cropping systems. Integrated weed management is a tool box of options that can be tailored to individual farm, cropping and weed situations.Farzad Jahromi et al , 01/39, $16

Quality Rice for North AsiaSummarises studies that aimed to define high quality for North Asian rice markets and a breeding program to produce new cultivars to satisfy these markets. The project culminated in the release of ‘Opus’ a new high yielding rice cultivar with grain quality approaching that of Koshihikari, the premium Japanese variety.A. Blakeney, L Lewin and R Reinke, 01/42, $16

Bloodworm and Earthworm Control in RiceThis research focuses on two of the most significant invertebrate pests that impact on rice establishment and subsequent crop yields. Bloodworms, the larvae of chironomid midges, attack the newly-sown rice seed, whilst aquatic earthworms interact with the rice crop in a number of ways, modifying soils structure and water quality in a way that prejudices successful plant establishment.M. M. Stevens , 00/183, $16

Constraints to Rice Establishment and Yield in the Western Murray ValleyDescribes four major activities undertaken to assess whether differences in regional temperature, soil type, muddy water, crop establishment, cropping intensity and proximity to water courses could be associated with the lower average yields in the WMV.E. Humphreys and H.D. Barrs , 99/32, Free

Resistance to bloodworm attack in riceExtends the methodologies and preliminary data generated in previous RIRDC research to locate rice varieties with resistance to attack from the rice bloodworm, Chironomus tepperi. Twenty-eight rice varieties were screened using controlled conditions and fixed pest densities. M M Stevens, 99/141, $16

NIR for Improved Fertilizer Predictions IIContinues to research and improve near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy technology relevant to the NIR Tissue Testing Service, operated for rice growers by SunRice. Laurie Lewin et al , W05/192, Web only

Alternative methods and cultural practices for establishing seed and nutritional plotsResearch to assist in the development of a machine using modern technologies of seed distribution and placement. The latest cone

RIRDC Managing Director Peter O’Brien, Peter Snell, Russell Reinke, RIRDC Rice Advisory Committee Chair, Daryl Gibbs.

Snapshots of RIRDC Rice Research and Development

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Snapshots of RIRDC Rice Research and Development

distribution equipment will be adapted to this seeding unit to allow trials of various seed placement techniques (seeding apparatus) to compare rice establishment.Russell Ford , W05/193, Web only

A Gene Machine for Functional Genomics of RiceIn conjunction with a complementary project being funded by the NSW Agricultural Genomics Centre, this research has produced new constructs and protocols for improved efficiency of mutagenesis and subsequent screening for stable insertion mutants. This research group has now developed collaborations with national and international laboratories to expand the Rice Gene Machine resource development as well as utilization. Using this Rice Gene Machine, this group is now concentrating on identifying genes controlling important agronomic traits such as seedling vigour and grain quality.Narayana M. Upadhyaya et al , W05/194, Web only

Effect of Rice Stubble Burning on Soil HealthCompares the effects of stubble burning or stubble retention on some soil properties, with particular attention to the soil microbial biomass and how its size, activity and composition is linked to the soil organic matter status. Focus is also on the precise chemical components needed to build stable organic matter and the possible implications if nutrients are not available in the correct proportions. The findings are relevant to a much wider section of Australian agriculture.C A Kirkby and Alison Fattore , W05/195, Web only

Influence of Species on Efficiency of Barnyard Grass ControlPresents data on the occurrence and distribution of the various species of barnyard grass and any differences in the response to herbicides recommended for barnyard grass control.By J.E. Pratley and J.C. Broster , 04/010, $16

Agronomic and molecular aspects of osmoprotectant application and cold tolerance in riceLow temperature causes significant yield loss in rice crop at seedling establishment and early pollen microspore development stage (i.e two weeks prior to flowering). This research provides some practical or agronomic ways to minimise the cold stress damage in the short to medium term by using osmoprotectants and/or gibberellic acid (GA), a phytohormone. Long term benefits are expected from plant breeding by the application of physiological mechanisms that control the cold tolerance. Assoc. Prof. Naidu Bodapati et al , W05/197, Web only

Snapshots of RIRDC Rice Research and Development

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Australia’s Rice Industry

Less Water, More Rice.

Electromagnetic Induction

Yield+Quality+Desire=Success

Commitment to Sustainability

Narrowing the Gap—rice yields

Environmental Champions

Bloodworm and EarthwormsChemicals down, management up.

Right Information –Right Time –Right Person

Cold Tolerance

Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation

Reaping the rewards of innovationReaping the rewards of innovation