RIRDC Completed Projects in 1998-1999 and Research in Progress as at June 1999

Sub Program 3.4

RICE

September 1999 RIRDC Publication No 99/110

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© 1999 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved. ISBN 0 642 57923 7 ISSN 1440-6845 "RIRDC Completed Projects in 1998-99 and Research in Progress as at June 1999 - Rice" Publication No 99/110 The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report. This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186. RIRDC Rice R&D Program Manager Dr Jeff Davis RIRDC Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 4152 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: jeffd@rirdc.gov.au RIRDC Publications Manager Eva Hickman Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604 Phone: 02 6272 3186 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: evah@rirdc.gov.au Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in September 1999 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

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Foreword

This year RIRDC has produced Research in Progress, June '99, which contains short summaries of continuing projects as well as those that were completed during 1998-99 for all of the Corporation’s 20 program areas. The complete report on all the programs is only available in electronic format on our website at http://www.rirdc.gov.au The following report is a hardcopy extract covering Sub-program 3.4. It contains all entries from continuing and completed Rice research projects funded by RIRDC. This program aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry. This report is the newest addition to our extensive catalogue of almost 400 research reports, videos and CD-Roms of projects supported by RIRDC. Please contact us for the latest publications catalogue or view it on our website: • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/cat/contents.html

Peter Core Managing Director Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

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Contents

3.4 Rice - Completed Projects Project

No. Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page

No. Varietal Improvement and Pure Seeds Maintenance 1

DAN-118A Rice variety development, testing and pure seed maintenance

L.G.Lewin, R.F.Reinke and A.B.Blakeney

02 6951 2713 NSW Agriculture 1

Crop Nutrition 2

DAN-148A NIR for improved fertilizer predictions Graeme D. Batten 02 6951 2736 NSW AgricultureYanco Agricultural Institute,

2

Crop Protection 3

DAN-120A Resistance to bloodworm attack in selected rice varieties - evaluation of root vigour and antibiosis

Dr Mark Stevens 02 6951 2611 NSW Agriculture 3

Sustainable Farming Systems 5

CSL-2A Evaluation of compaction for reducing recharge from rice

Dr Liz Humphreys, Mr Robert Clark, Mr Geoff Beecher

02 6960 1500 CSIRO Land and Water 5

DAN-96A & DAN-150A

Groundwater use in rice rotations Groundwater use in rice rotations - phase ii

J A Thompson, I H Hume 03 5881 9999 NSW Agriculture, 6

DAN-145A EM to estimate groundwater recharge from rice growing

Mr. Geoff Beecher 02 6951 2725 NSW Department of Agriculture 7

Technology Transfer and Communications 9

DAN-86A Improvement of rice grain quality W. S. Clampett 02 6960 1317 NSW Agriculture

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3.4 Rice - Research in Progress Project

No. Project Title Researcher Phone Organisation Page

No. Varietal Improvement and Pure Seeds Maintenance 11

BRE-1A Quality rice for North Asia A.B. Blakeney 02 9888 9600 BRI Australia Ltd 11 CMB-1A Molecular methods for hybrid rice production Dr. Richard Jefferson 02 6246 4502 Center for the Application of

Molecular Biology to International Agriculture (CAMBIA)

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DAN-147A Evaluation of rice grain quality - II Dr. Melissa Fitzgerald 02 6951 2656; 0417 279 760

NSW Department of Agriculture 12

DAN-167A Rice improvement Mr. Russell Reinke 02 6951 2516 NSW Department of Agriculture 13 UNS-12A Flavour and texture qualities of new Australian

fragrant rice cultivars A/Prof. Michael Wootton 02 9385 4369 University of New South Wales 14

USC-1A Genetic engineering of Australian rice varieties for improved cold tolerance and grain quality

Prof. Robert Henry 02 6620 3010 Southern Cross University 15

USC-2A Application of molecular markers to rice breeding in Australia

Prof. Robert Henry 02 6620 3010 Southern Cross University 15

Crop Establishment 16

DAN-146A Sustainable control of aquatic earthworms and bloodworms in rice

Dr. Mark Stevens 02 6951 2611 NSW Department of Agriculture 16

Agronomy/Crop Physiology 17

ANU-29A Investigation of the molecular mechanisms causing cold induced sterility in rice

Prof. Barry Rolfe 02 6249 4054 Australian National University 17

ANU-34A Towards the development of more effective nitrogen-fixing associations between rice cultivars and endophytic bacteria

Prof. Barry Rolfe 02 6249 4054 Australian National University 18

DAN-160A Rice physiology: Maximising rice yields beyond 2000

Mr. Robert L Williams 02 6951 2679 NSW Department of Agriculture 18

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Crop Nutrition 19

DAN-175A Relating minerals in rice shoots and grain to soil tests, yield and grain quality

Dr. Graeme D Batten 02 6951 2736 NSW Department of Agriculture 19

Crop Protection 20

AGR-6A Rotational weed control practices for rice (continuation of AGR-3A)

Mr. Malcolm Taylor 03 5872 2892 Agropraisals Pty Ltd 20

AGR-7A Rice blast fungicide development in Australia Mr. Malcolm Taylor 03 5872 2892 Agropraisals Pty Ltd 21 CSL-5A Survey of current rice stubble management

practices for identification of research needs and future policy

Mr. Clive Kirkby 02 6960 1500 CSIRO Land and Water 21

DAN-121A Further development of a mycoherbicide for control of Alismataceae weeds in rice

Dr. Eric Cother 02 6391 3886 NSW Department of Agriculture 22

UCS-7A Biological control of starfruit in rice fields using a mycoherbicide

Dr. Eric Cother 02 6391 3886 NSW Department of Agriculture 22

UCS-16A Biology of arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis) Prof. James Pratley 02 6933 2864 Charles Sturt University 23 UCS-20A Development of integrated weed management

strategies for the rice weed Cyperus difformis and Alisma plantago-aquatica

Prof. James Pratley 02 6933 2864 Charles Sturt University 24

Sustainable Farming Systems 25

DAN-161A Identification and management of soil acidification in irrigated farming systems of southern NSW

Mr. Geoff Beecher 02 6951 2725 NSW Department of Agriculture 25

Technology Transfer and Communications 26

DAN-162A Better extension programs for improved rice yields

Mr. Warwick Clampett 02 6960 1317; 017 812 633

NSW Department of Agriculture 26

IRE-3A Technology transfer for a more productive and sustainable rice farming system

Mr Nick Hutchins 02 6960 1550 Irrigation Research & Extension Committee

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3.4 Rice Completed Projects

Varietal Improvement and Pure Seeds Maintenance

Project Title

Rice variety development, testing and pure seed maintenance

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-118A

Researcher: L.G.Lewin, R.F.Reinke and A.B.Blakeney Organisation: NSW Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB Yanco NSW 2703

Phone: 02 69 512713 Fax: 02 69 557580 Email: Laurie.Lewin@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

The objectives of this project were • to produce improved rice varieties for the NSW rice industry that are

productive, reliable and • satisfy the requirements of domestic and international markets. The project covered all aspects of varietal improvement including developing advanced lines, testing these against commercial standards and producing pure seed of all new and existing commercial cultivars.

Background:

The NSW rice industry is an important one in the southern irrigation areas of the state. It produces over 1 million tonnes of rice each year on about 140,000 ha. While domestic consumption of rice is increasing in Australia, production exceeds demand and about 85% of the crop is exported. The domestic and world market for rice is highly competitive and the Australian industry aims to compete at the quality end. Varieties are required that are efficient and will compete on the diverse markets. Most varieties produced by the NSW rice industry originate from the varietal improvement program of NSW Agriculture based at Yanco Agricultural Institute. Australian producers are efficient and obtain amongst the highest yields in the world but there is a continuing need to improve efficiency, competitiveness and to address some of the environmental concerns associated with rice production. Solutions to these problems include the development of more productive and adaptable varieties of shorter duration that have grain quality attributes that allow them to compete in the marketplace. It is also important that the seed produced by growers has the purity that will maintain productivity and quality.

Research

The varietal improvement program was advanced by three generations in the life of this project. This included all aspects of varietal development, testing and production of pure seed of new and existing cultivars.

Outcomes

Namaga, a long duration medium grain variety was released in 1997. Its advantages over Amaroo are higher yield potential, greater resistance to cold at the reproductive stage, more even maturity and slightly improved grain quality characteristics. An improved selection of Langi long grain rice was incorporated into the pure seed scheme and improved breeding lines of long grain, fragrant and short duration medium grain were at advanced stages of development.

Implications

Namaga accounted for almost 19% total NSW rice area in 1998. It averaged 10.1 t/ha compared with the 9.6 t/ha Amaroo yield. Langi was sown on 19%

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of the total area and the improved uniformity of the new selection was important in maintaining grain quality. Other developments in the program will lead to the release of improved rice cultivars in the future.

Crop Nutrition Project Title

NIR for improved fertilizer predictions

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-148A

Researcher: Graeme D. Batten Organisation: NSW AgricultureYanco Agricultural Institute,

PMB YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2736 Fax: 02 69 51 2719 Email: graeme.batten@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To improve the Tissue Testing Service used to predict the amounts of

fertilizers to apply to rice crops. Background:

Rice crops accumulate about 166 kg N/ha, of which about 100 kg N/ha is exported from the farm in grain. Farmers apply an average of 124 kgN/ha - the majority just prior to permanent flooding in October and the remainder immediately after panicle initiation (PI). Tissue testing of rice crops is now an integral part of nitrogen management for more than 40% of rice producers.

Research

During the three years of this project over one thousand samples have been analysed by a variety of laboratory techniques to provide the data required to maintain and develop the calibrations for nitrogen, starch, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and growth stage in rice shoots at the panicle initiation stage. Each year samples which are not represented in the calibrations are identified, analyzed and added to the calibrations In 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99 comparisons were made at 33 sites to check the increase in yield per kg N when urea was topdressed in December, (2 to 3 weeks prior to PI), and at the PI stage.

Outcomes

Over the period of the project the following advances in efficiency and accuracy were achieved: (1) NIR calibrations for total nitrogen, moisture, and starch in whole shoot samples were improved, (2) Calibrations for potassium, phosphorus and for zinc were developed. (3) In collaboration with staff at RCL and NSW Agriculture annual revisions have been made to:-

(a) the contents of the Ricecheck manual, (b) the instructions sent to growers re the operation of the Tissue

Test, (c) the Crop Data Forms sent by growers to the RCL Tissue Testing Laboratory with each sample and (d) the Tissue Test Report Forms used to advise recommendations to growers and District Agronomists.

(4) A more direct measurement of crop dry matter at PI was developed to replace the indirect and often inaccurate shoot counting method used since 1984. This is seen as a major change in the procedure of the Rice Tissue Test as it enables rice crop nitrogen status and hence fertilizer requirements to be calculated from the amount of nitrogen (kg/ha) in the shoots of the crop at PI. (5) A database (the Rice Tissue Test Database) used to record all information on

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every sample sent for testing, and also to calculate the nitrogen uptake and fertilizer recommendations for each crop, has been revised in line with changes to the forms and recommendations mentioned above. This database has facilitated useful summaries of the information gathered from rice growers such as the influence of seasonal conditions on crop nitrogen and starch ratios, patterns of use of fertilizer, etc. These summaries have been invaluable to gaining a better understanding of the limits to rice production and for informing growers of best fertilizer management. (6) Reduced pressure on the environment beyond the rice farm by reducing some of the wastage of fertilizers, eg in situations where inappropriate forms or amounts of fertilizer were applied. (7) Guidelines for the N management of underfertilized crops prior to PI. Value of the Rice NIR Tissue Test to the Industry The RCL Rice Tissue Test, especially if used in conjunction with the maNage Rice software package, provides rice producers with relevant, accurate and economic information which aids in deciding the fertilizer program needed to achieve high rice grain yields through nitrogen fertilizer management. Additional benefits include analysis of the nitrogen:starch ratio which indications if a stress factor, other than nitrogen, is limiting the growth of the crop and the chance of obtaining the expected response to fertilizer nitrogen.

Implications

Surveys have indicated that growers who make use of the RCL NIR Tissue Testing Service achieve, on average, 0.6 tonnes/ha more paddy grain than the average for all rice producers. While there are confounding factors in this comparison it indicates substantial real benefits, perhaps as high as $13 m/year directly to producers, can be attributed to the NIR tissue testing technology.

Crop Protection Project Title

Resistance to bloodworm attack in selected rice varieties - evaluation of root vigour and antibiosis

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-120A

Researcher: Dr Mark Stevens Organisation: NSW Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute Private Mail Bag YANCO, NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2611 Fax: 02 6951 2719 Email: mark.stevens@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To determine if selected rice varieties display significant resistance to attack by

Chironomus tepperi, and therefore whether incorporating bloodworm resistance into commercial varieties may be a viable method for reducing insecticide usage in the NSW rice industry.

Background:

Bloodworms, particularly the rice bloodworm, Chironomus tepperi Skuse, cause extensive damage to aerially sown rice crops in NSW each year. Rapid colonisation of newly flooded fields by bloodworms makes conventional biological control of these pests difficult to achieve, and consequently the industry is dependent on synthetic pesticides for bloodworm control. The development of resistant rice varieties offers the greatest potential for eliminating insecticides from bloodworm control programs, and has the potential to reduce farmer production costs by a greater margin than any other form of bloodworm management

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Research Twenty-eight rice varieties were screened for resistance to Chironomus tepperi using controlled conditions and fixed pest densities. This data was combined with the data for 16 other varieties obtained as part of DAN97A prior to analysis. The highest levels of root system vigour were shown by Pokkali, Mas, Taichung Native 1 and TKM6. ASREML analysis showed that YRK3, HR19, Goolarah and Koshihikari have higher levels of resistance than other varieties screened to date. The most resistant variety, YRK3, lost approximately one-third of its root tissue when exposed to moderate bloodworm infestations, indicating that it is probably not sufficiently resistant to be cultivated in the field without chemical protection. Rearing final instar C.tepperi larvae through to pupation on either slightly resistant (WC1403, Koshihikari, Hungarian No. 1) or susceptible (Millin, Kyeema, Langi) varieties did not reveal any strong correlation between varietal resistance and pest survival or developmental times. Resistance in these varieties is apparently a form of antixenosis or ‘non-preference’. A seed-mat technique was used to assess resistance of 11 selected varieties under field conditions during the 1997/8 rice season, however results from this trial were inconclusive due to the very low bloodworm populations at the trial site in that season. Difficulties associated with maintaining bloodworm cultures in the laboratory during the later parts of summer 1997 and 1998 resulted in resources being temporarily redirected towards assessing the influence of fipronil seed treatments on the germination and early growth of rice.

Outcomes

Low level resistance to bloodworm attack has been identified in a number of rice varieties, and the available evidence suggests the main mechanism of resistance is a form of antixenosis. Stronger sources of resistance need to be identified before attempts to enhance resistance in commercial varieties are justified. Data on root vigour will be of value in breeding programs directed towards improving seedling establishment. Antibiosis screening has provided useful data on the developmental response of C.tepperi to diet, and represents an important contribution to understanding the behaviour of this species under field conditions. The study on fipronil phytotoxicity has provided valuable new data that supports the crop safety of fipronil seed treatments.

Implications

Further screening is necessary to identify rice varieties with higher levels of resistance before development of bloodworm resistant commercial varieties can proceed. Methods developed in this project will allow transgenic rice varieties to be screened for bloodworm resistance under secure conditions.

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Sustainable Farming Systems

Project Title

Evaluation of compaction for reducing recharge from rice

RIRDC Project No.:

CSL-2A

Researcher: Dr Liz Humphreys, Mr Robert Clark, Mr Geoff Beecher Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water

Address PMB 3, Griffith NSW 2680 Phone: 02 6960 1500 Fax: 02 6960 1600 Email: liz.humphreys@grf.clw.csiro.au Objectives

• To evaluate impact compaction for its potential to reduce recharge from rice,

and its effects on soil properties, rice crop productivity and profitability.

Research

The effect of impact compaction on infiltration of water into the soil profile in flooded rice was determined throughout the ponded period of around 165 days, using 1.2 m diameter infiltration rings. The effect of compaction on soil physical properties, and on rice establishment, growth and yield were also determined. Compaction treatments were applied using two to six passes of three machines – two Landpac Pty Ltd self-propelled impact compactors and with 3- and 5-sided twin drums, and the Broons Pty Ltd BH 1300 4-sided trailing impact roller. The treatments were applied on two soil types, a self-mulching grey clay and a duplex red-brown earth, at a range of soil water contents.

Outcomes

Impact compaction was very effective in reducing infiltration provided soil water content exceeded about 20 g water/100 g soil. Infiltration was reduced by 40-60% on soils that had relatively low water use (infiltration rates <4 ML/ha), and by 70-80% on very leaky soils (infiltration rates 16-24 ML/ha). The effects of compaction on soil structure were transmitted to depths of at least 0.5 m below the soil surface at sites where soil water content was high at the time of treatment. Rice growth and yield were not affected by compaction. For impact compaction to be economic, the effect on infiltration needs to last for at least three seasons. The effect appeared to carry over to the second season at the one site where this could be determined.

Implications

Impact compaction is a promising technique for reducing recharge from ponded rice culture. However, its use should be restricted to “sealing” leaky areas until more is known about the effects on soil properties, the longevity and reversibility of these effects, and effects on the productivity of crops and pastures grown in rotation with rice. Further investigations are also needed to refine guidelines for application of the technology, and to determine the longevity of the effect on infiltration. The feasibility of using impact compaction, in conjunction with mole drains, to create a solution to both watertable problems and production limitations in rice-based cropping systems, should be explored.

Publications

Clark, R. and Humphreys, E. (1997). Impact compaction for reducing recharge

from rice. Farmers’ Newsletter Large Area No. 149, 20-23. Humphreys, E., Clark, R. and Beecher, G. (1998). Evaluation of compaction for

reducing recharge from rice. Farmers’ Newsletter Large Area No. 150, 60-1.

Humphreys, E., Clark, R. and Beecher, G. (1998). Evaluation of impact compaction for reducing recharge from rice. Farmers’ Newsletter Large Area No. 152, in press.

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Humphreys, E., Clark, R. and Beecher, G. (1998). Evaluation of compaction for reducing recharge from rice. Final Project Report to RIRDC. CSIRO Land and Water Consultancy Report No. 98-38.

Project Title

Groundwater use in rice rotations Groundwater use in rice rotations - phase ii

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-96A and DAN-150A

Researcher: J A Thompson, I H Hume Organisation: NSW Agriculture,

PO Box 736, DENILIQUIN NSW 2710

Phone: 03 5881 9999 Fax: 03 5881 3719 Objectives

• To determine, across a range of soil types and watertable conditions, the effect

of increasing the irrigation water salinity on the infiltration beneath the rice crop. • To determine the potential for use of groundwater within a rice rotation.

Background:

Groundwater pumping from shallow aquifers is regarded as an important means of controlling shallow groundwater and soil salinisation. Groundwater pumping is the only economic means by which the groundwater system can be balanced against the present irrigation recharge from large area farms. Low to medium salinity groundwater can be used for irrigation after mixing with channel water supplies either, within the district channel system, or within the farm.

There is concern that increasing the farm supply water salinity could result in a significant increase in deep drainage especially from the rice phase. Laboratory studies have shown that clay soils become more permeable as the salinity of the supply water increased, however, the practical significance of this effect within rice based production systems has not been evaluated. The other strategy for groundwater pumping is to use the groundwater solely within the farm, mixed with on-farm channel supplies.

Research

Water supply salinity.The infiltration rate of five water salinities (0.1 to 2 dS/m) was monitored within 2 district rice crops each season. Both red and grey soils and deep and shallow watertables were examined.

Rice rotation experiment. The long term effects of irrigating with saline groundwater on soil salinity, infiltration, and crop productivity are being evaluated within a rice - fallow - wheat - sub clover - rice rotation. The site was designed such that each phase of the rotation occurs each year in a separate block allowing seasonal effects on irrigation management to be assessed. Groundwater from a shallow spearpoint is applied to both the wheat and sub clover phases with channel supply water being used to grow the following rice crop. The experiment commenced in 1991 and will conclude in 2000 with each block having completed 2 cycles of the 4 year rotation.

Outcomes

Water supply salinity. At sites with uniform clay content (no clay loam topsoil) the use of high EC water supply had no effect on infiltration rate below the rice crop. However, at 2 of the 3 red-brown earth sites the use of supply salinities >1 dS/m significantly increased the infiltration rate.

Rice rotation experiment. Irrigating with groundwater of 4.5 dS/m has not reduced wheat yields. Sub clover production, particularly in the autumn, was reduced by irrigating with groundwater salinities of 2 and 3 dS/m. Rice yield was not affected by irrigating the previous wheat - sub clover phases with groundwater except following the 1993-94 drought.

Use of groundwater on the wheat - sub clover phase increased soil salinity to at least 1.5 m deep. Rice was effective in leaching the rootzone to an acceptable level of

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salinity for the following crops, however, sodium remained at an elevated level. Implications

Based on the results of this project and because of the possible production of sensitive crops such as soybean, it is recommended that channel supply water salinities not exceed 0.5 - 0.6 dS/m. Rice was effective in leaching the rootzone to an acceptable level for following crops. The build up of sodium over time is of concern. Further trends over a longer time frame are required before making firm recommendations.

Project Title

EM to estimate groundwater recharge from ricegrowing

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-145A

Researcher: Iain Hume and Geoff Beecher Organisation: NSW Agriculture

ADDRESS Yanco Agricultural Institute YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 69512725 Fax: 02 69557580 Email: geoff.beecher@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• Reduced groundwater recharge by removing “leaky” soils from rice

production through the development of electromagnetic (EM) procedures to rapidly assess the suitability of soil for rice growing and eliminate the need for physical soil sampling.

Background:

Rice growing has been identified as the cause of 40-50% of groundwater recharge in some irrigation areas. Soil containing 2m of continuous medium clay or heavier textured soil in its profile is judged suitable for rice growing. Rapid electromagnetic (EM-31) survey methods were developed in RIRDC DAN95-A which allow rice fields to be delineated into areas which have different soil physico-chemical properties. However, physical sampling and textural estimation of soil is still needed to assess its suitability to grow rice because direct relationships between EM and recharge do not exist.

Research

Field experiments to measure groundwater recharge for the conditions of soil type, groundwater depth and irrigation history were undertaken. Field data collected in this project and DAN 95-A were used to examine relationships between EM31 readings, soil properties, groundwater conditions and groundwater recharge.

Outcomes

Twenty nine field experiments have now been analysed fully. Recharge was estimated at 90 cm by chloride mass balance, or where there was little soil chloride, by water balance. Recharge at most locations was acceptable, the average being 2.4 Ml/ha and the median 0.59 Ml/ha. Recharge at 77% of sites were less than 2 Ml/ha but some were very leaky (14 Ml/ha). Many sites at which recharge was less than 2 Ml/ha contained little clay and were classified as unsuitable for ricegrowing by current classification methods. Conversely, there were a large number of heavy clay soils with high rates of recharge. A three-stage classification scheme was developed:

1. Include the soil if the EM31 measurement is equal to or greater than 150 mS/m

2. Include the soil if the ESP of the top 60 cm of the soil is greater than 6

3. Include the soil if the ESP of the depth increment between 60 and 150 cm is greater than 12.

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4. Exclude all other soils. This scheme identified almost all the low (< 2 Ml/ha) recharge sites and reduced the median recharge by 0.14 Ml/ha. The 75th percentile of recharge was reduced by 0.45 Ml/ha and the 95th percentile from 10.9 Ml/ha.

Implications

Drilling and soil sampling based on electromagnetic surveying will still be required for assessment of rice soil suitability. Existing soil criteria can be improved by the inclusion of sodicity indices in the assessment procedure. Adoption of these protocol changes will change the existing land classification assessments considerably. Soils currently approved for rice growing may be considered unsuitable and others currently classed as unsuitable may be considered appropriate.

Adopting these changes to rice policy will allow better definition of the area of soil which contributes significantly to ground water accessions. This will reduce the area of land ‘retired’ from rice growing, and better define land requiring remedial soil treatments. Implementing these research methods as an operational soil classification system will allow more appropriate and environmentally sustainable use of soil and water resources.

Accurate identification of land suitable for ricegrowing would provide benefit for individual landholders by: (i) optimising farm development/redevelopment avoiding costly development of unsuitable land, (ii) reducing water use - savings could be in the order of $50/ha where water use is excessive, (iii) increasing the flexibility of farm management by increasing the availability of water. However some growers may be impacted negatively by the implementation of such soil classification changes.

Research findings will be rapidly adopted within Land and Water Management Plans. These plans already endorse the need to improve the way soil is assessed for ricegrowing.

Publications

Iain Hume , Geoff Beecher, David Mitchell and Brian Dunn (1998). Soil texture, EM31 and recharge. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter, No. 150 Large Area, pp 19-20. Iain Hume, Geoff Beecher, Brian Dunn and Bruce Hammond (1998). EM to estimate groundwater recharge from ricegrowing. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter, No 152 Large Area pp 70-71.6

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Technology Transfer and Communications

Project Title

Improvement of rice grain quality

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN 86A

Researcher: W. S. Clampett R. L. Williams J. M. Lacy Organisation: NSW Agriculture

PO Box 1089 GRIFFITH NSW 2680

NSW Agriculture PMB YANCO NSW 2703

NSW Agriculture PO Box 108 FINLEY NSW 2713

Phone: 02 6960 1317 02 6951 2679 03 5883 1644 Fax: 02 6963 0255 Objectives

• To improve the quality of paddy rice, in particular the percentage of whole grain

after milling, through the adoption of appropriate crop management technology and practices. through: − Identifying the management practices in commercial ricegrowing that most

effect rice grain quality, in particular % whole grain. − Identifying the barriers and constraints to the adoption of management

practices to improve grain quality. − Develop and implement a rice extension program to encourage the transfer

and adoption of rice management technology that maximises rice grain quality.

Background:

The percentage of whole grain after milling, % whole grain, has long been of concern to the NSW rice industry. There is a wide variability in % whole grain results between medium and long grain varieties, individual crops ( less than 20% up to over 68%) and between seasons (35 to 64%), which impacts on total returns. Genetic and environmental factors were generally accepted as major determinants of grain quality, including the % whole grain after milling. Grower management factors have a major affect within these limits, but were poorly understood and accepted by growers.

Research

During 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 commercial rice crops representative of the industry were sequentially sample harvested over a period of 8 to 10 weeks commencing prior to physiological maturity of the grain. The grain quality of each sample harvested was assessed using commercial rice appraisal procedures. Data on total biomass, grain yield and yield parameters was also collected. The resulting extensive database represented some 433 commercial rice crops from all ricegrowing regions, 3630 individual grain samples from 8 - 10 weekly harvests from late February to early June. Focus discussion groups with ricegrowers were held in each Agronomy District to survey the knowledge, attitudes and constraints on achieving high % whole grain. The organised and structured extension network of NSW Agriculture was used to promote the results of the project.

Outcomes

It was found that all medium grain crops have a potential high whole grain yield of around 65%, which remains relatively stable until the grain moisture drops below 20-22%. After this the rate of % whole grain decline is directly related to daily evaporative demand in excess of 2mm per day, which will be modified by the presence of soil surface moisture. As well below 20-22% grain moisture rainfall can cause a major decline in % whole grain. The long grain varieties respond differently, and need further investigation. The survey found that growers were poorly informed about grain quality issues and that

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experience made them sceptical of the value of recommended practices. Their attitudes to grain quality management were affected by the limited returns for delivering improved quality grain compared to the increased costs of compliance, which were often affected by industry policies on receival, particularly moisture limits. The results of the % whole grain analysis were extended widely to ricegrowers through meetings, field days and publications. Adoption of the recommendations is limited by perceived limited returns and increased costs of adoption of recommended practices.

Implications

The project provided information that showed that ricegrower management practices from sowing through to draining and harvest can greatly affect the quality outcomes of rice. It not only reinforced the current recommended practices, but provided a more objective basis for their recommendation and adoption. However, it must be emphasised that it is one thing for ricegrowers to know and understand the technology, but positive attitudes to adopting the recommendations must precede a change in practices. The study shows ricegrowers a way forward to improving the quality of delivered rice grain, but they are often constrained by the low extra returns relative to the extra costs of compliance. Our knowledge and understanding of the processes and practices affecting % whole grain results have been greatly improved by the study. There is an opportunity to further analyse the data to define the environmental and management framework affecting % whole grain, and to further explore the response of long grain varieties and the impact of rainfall events. Further research and investigation needs should be considered. Future extension recommendations and programs will not be successful without consideration of the impact on other factors on the ability and willingness of ricegrowers to adopt the practices necessary to consistently harvest and deliver high quality grain. In particular, the industry objectives and needs for improved quality must be balanced with appropriate premiums and delivery moisture policies.

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3.4 Rice

Research in Progress

Varietal Improvement and Pure Seeds Maintenance Project Title

Quality rice for North Asia

RIRDC Project No.:

BRE-1A

Start Date: 1/10/96 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Dr. A.B. Blakeney Organisation: BRI Australia Ltd

PO Box 7 NORTH RYDE NSW 2113

Phone: 02 9888 9600 Fax: 02 9888 5821 Email: abblake@bri.com.au Objectives

1. To study and describe quality criteria that discriminates between premium rices in North Asian markets and to develop quality evaluation procedures that will allow early generation selection of highest quality lines for use in these markets. 2. To develop rice lines suitable for the Japanese markets. 3. To produce rice lines suitable for the Korean market.

Current Progress:

No summary submitted by due date

Project Title

Molecular methods for hybrid rice production

RIRDC Project No.:

CMB-1A

Start Date: 1/06/96 Finish Date: 31/05/00 Researcher: Dr. Richard Jefferson Organisation: Center for the Application of Molecular Biology to International Agriculture

(CAMBIA) GPO Box 3200 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6246 4502 Fax: 02 6246 4501 Objectives

The project will • develop a commercially viable two-line hybrid rice system by provision of a

method for facultative, environment-independent nuclear male sterility in transgenic rice, and

• provide a 'molecualr toolkit' of inducible rice gene promoters and genes specific to female heterotic effects and achieve new yieled ceilings.

The second objective will provide the means to cost-effectively 'capture' for the Australian rice industry all internationally relevant discoveries on molecular genetics of apoximis in model plants (eg Arabidopsis and Hieracium), and immediately test these options under Australian conditions in field-grown rice, without funding the upstream research underlying these discoveries.

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Current Progress: Embryo-sac specific gene/GUS fusions After a series of 5’ and 3’ deletion tests, the sequence responsible for the megagametophyte-specific cis-regulatory enhancer (MGSE) activity has been narrowed to 77 base pairs. GUS fused to this promoter sequence is being tested in rice. Preliminary results showed that this MGSE is position-independent but orientation-dependent in Arabidopsis. Expression of rice rim11 homolog, antisense and GUS fusions in transgenic rice The promoter to the rice rim11 homologue has been cloned, fused to gusA and transformed into rice. Transgenic plants have been obtained. Observation of the promoter activities throughout the life span of the transgenic rice plants showed gusA expression in the meristematic nodes during early flowering development and in the pollen around the single nucleate stage. Detailed observation is being done by sectioning flowers at the stage of the gusA expression to determine the exact stage of expression. The mRNA transcript of the gene from different stages of plant development and different tissue types will be quantified. To further analyse the function of the gene in rice, disruption of the endogenous gene has been done by transforming rice with constructs containing either rice rim11 sense or antisense cDNA driven by the 35S promoter. Transformation of rice with sense cDNA driven by 35S promoter resulted in a vigorous tiller formation, indicated by the formation of tillers from the nodes numbers 3 and 4 that are not present in normal plants. One transformant with cDNA in antisense orientation shows similar phenotype. However, the T1 of both sense and antisense plants does not produce similar phenotype. This result could be because of the instability of the gene disruption approach that was used, which cannot be maintained in the next generation. A more powerful approach of gene disruption should be applied which will include the transformation of both sense and antisense cDNA in one construct driven by Ubiquitin, Actin1 or 35S promoters. Plasmids having sense and antisense cDNA driven by Ubiquitin, Actin1 or 35S promoters are being prepared. Glasshouse trials of MS+GUS rice Fifty-nine transformed Millin plants with four different putative pollen-specific promoters have been analysed by GUS staining. At least one plant representing each construct (pWHY84, pVAL Bgp, pVAL NTP303 and pVal Ubi) shows good GUS expression in pollen. The majority of GUS expressing plants has to have a single gene insert.

Project Title

Evaluation of rice grain quality - II

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-147A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 31/12/99 Researcher: Dr. Melissa Fitzgerald Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Private Mail Bag YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2656; 0417 279 760 Fax: 02 6951 2719 Email: melissa.fitzgerald@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

To ensure that new varieties developed by the rice breeding program meet the specific quality needs for production, processing and marketing of the NSW rice industry by: • Continued evaluation of the quality of crossbreds in the rice breeding

program.

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• Describing and measuring the factors that influence rice grain quality for specific needs.

• Development of quality criteria and assessment technology, such as NIR and NIT, for incorporation into routine quality evaluation programs.

Current Progress:

In the past 6 months, over 1000 crossbred lines have been tested for amylose content, and the cooking quality of approximately 100 late-generation lines has been evaluated. The method to measure gelatinisation temperature has been improved, and progress has been made on developing an NIR calibration for amylose content, and on measuring starch structure using HPLC. NIR is not proving to be useful for measuring amylose content accurately. Therefore a decision has been made to develop a calibration to classify early-generation material as being of either high, medium or low amylose. HPLC will be used to measure accurately the amylose content and amylopectin structure of late-generation lines. This year, for the first time, data will be recorded for texture and thousand-grain weights for some late-generation lines. Research into chalk has identified that the structure of amylose and amylopectin differs in chalky grain, which changes cooking quality. Work will continue to identify the cause of the difference, and to target that cause. We are continually attempting to understand the factors that define cooking quality. We have found that nitrogen nutrition affects the cooking quality of rice, presumably by an interaction between starches and proteins during cooking. This will be investigated further.

Project Title

Rice improvement

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-167A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/03 Researcher: Mr. Russell Reinke Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2516 Fax: 02 6955 7580 Email: Russell.Reinke@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

This project has two main thrusts. • The first is the development of improved cultivars for the NSW Rice

Industry, and • the second is the provision and maintenance of genetically pure seed of all

current and potential cultivars. Major outcomes will be the production of new and improved varieties of various quality classes, including a medium grain with shorter growth duration, long grain, fragrant and arborio types and possible release of other cultivars meeting appropriate yield and quality criteria. Other outcomes will include increased efficiency of cultivar development through the incorporation of tightly focused selection strategies for seedling vigour, cold tolerance, reduced stress cracking in grain and freedom from chalk. These improvements will be included as the results of associated research programs are made available from Rice CRC and other projects. Other major outcomes will be the provision of detailed performance data or potential new cultivars in all rice growing area.

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Current Progress:

The major output from the rice improvement program was the release of “Opus” a new semi-dwarf medium-grain rice specifically suited to the Japanese market. The commercial performance of Opus was pleasing, with preliminary yield data showing a yield advantage of approximately 3 t ha-1 over the traditional Japanese cultivar Koshihikari. District testing focused on 4 advanced lines, 9 short-duration lines from replicated testing in 1998, and 17 long and medium grain lines (including one fragrant line) in district testing for the first time. Two of the advanced lines showed promise as replacements for existing cultivars, a long grain line YRL118, and a medium grain line YRM49. One short-duration line of the 9 tested appears promising, and will undergo further testing. Of the lines entering district testing for the first time, 2 long grains, 4 medium grains and the fragrant line showed high yield potential. Further development of these lines is contingent on grain quality. In the 1998/99 rice season the breeding program testing was reorganised into trials comprising three maturity groups. This was to enable more accurate comparison of cultivars within each maturity group. The rice improvement program was successfully advanced by one generation and pure seed was produced for all commercial cultivars.

Project Title

Flavour and texture qualities of new Australian fragrant rice cultivars

RIRDC Project No.:

UNS-12A

Start Date: 1/02/97 Finish Date: 30/04/00 Researcher: A/Prof. Michael Wootton Organisation: University of New South Wales

Dept of Food Science and Technology SYDNEY NSW 2052

Phone: 02 9385 4369 Fax: 02 9385 5931 Email: m.wootton@unsw.edu.au Objectives

• Identification of the chemical entities responsible for aroma of new Australian

fragrant rice varieties of the Basmati type. • Examination of the impact of storage on the flavour volatiles and texture of the

Australian Basmati rice. • Definition of appropriate storage times and conditions for optimum Basmati

rice quality in terms of eating quality. • Determination of the role of starch, and changes to it during storage, on

acceptability of Basmati rice.

Current Progress:

As previously reported, techniques were optimised for isolation, separation, identification and odour description of volatile compounds from both rice grain and plant structural material. Over one hundred volatile compounds were identified in Australian Basmati rice with 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) contributing significantly to its aroma. Compounds important to Basmati rice flavour were also found in tissue from plants at different stages of maturity Last year, analysis of rice cultivars from Yanco field trials showed that higher nitrogen fertiliser application resulted in higher levels of 2-AP in plant material for Basmati rice, but not for non-fragrant cultivars. This was particularly so soon after germination. High nitrogen fertiliser levels did not lead to more 2-AP in

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mature rice grain. This has great potential as a rapid indicator of fragrance early in breeding programs since grain is not required and very young plants may be used for rapid detection of fragrance. The impact of nitrogen application on fragrance of the rice grain itself needs further evaluation. Ms Audrey Leung, undertaking this research, withdrew to write up her work for a Master of Science degree after 2 years. In order for the outcomes of this project to be achieved, and to allow further investigation of fertiliser response findings, extension of the project for another 2 years was sought from RIRDC, providing a total of 3 years support to complete the research.

Project Title

Genetic engineering of Australian rice varieties for improved cold tolerance and grain quality

RIRDC Project No.:

USC-1A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Prof. Robert Henry Organisation: Southern Cross University

Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics Faculty of Resource Science and Management PO Box 157 LISMORE NSW 2480

Phone: 02 6620 3010

Fax: 02 6622 2080 Email: rhenry@scu.edu.au Objectives

• This project will produce and test transgenic rices with potential cold tolerance

and novel grain quality derived from Zizania. • The project will aim to identify useful levels of cold tolerance and marketable

grain quality.

Current Progress:

More than 200 transgenic rice plants have been produced. The plants and their progeny have now been screened to establish the levels of introgression of genes from wild rice. Phenotype variation has been observed in the first generation of transgenic plants. The inheritance of these characters and associate molecular makes is now being determined. A provisional patent on a rice transformation method has been lodged.

Project Title

Application of molecular markers to rice breeding in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

USC-2A

Start Date: 1/01/97 Finish Date: 31/12/99 Researcher: Prof. Robert Henry Organisation: Southern Cross University

Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics Faculty of Resource Science and Management PO Box 157 LISMORE NSW 2480

Phone: 02 6620 3010

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Fax: 02 6622 2080 Email: rhenry@scu.edu.au Objectives

The project will develop molecular markers for use in rice breeding in Australia. Specific objectives will be: • To identify molecular markers linked to genes of importance in the breeding

program (semi-dwarf stature and aromatic fragrance). • To adapt these markers for routine use in the rice improvemnt program by

developing simple protocols for their use in breeding populations. • To evaluate the usefulness of these markers in breeding programs.

Current Progress:

Develop protocols for application (of markers) in breeding program. Three SSR markers have been identified that will be very useful for the identification of the major fragrance gene in the Australian rice breeding program. PCR protocols are available for amplification of the markers. A SNP and SSR marker have been identified and confirmed to be linked to the sd-1 gene in the mapping population. However, low levels of polymorphism reduce the general utility of these markers in the Australian breeding program. Recent work has identified a linked marker from the Japanese genetic map. This marker is also demonstrating low levels of polymorphism. Although it is now possible to target other Japanese markers closer to sd-1 for the identification of suitable polymorphic markers. This work is under way and will be completed with the year.

Crop Establishment Project Title

Sustainable control of aquatic earthworms and bloodworms in rice

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-146A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 30/06/99 Researcher: Dr. Mark Stevens Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute Private Mail Bag YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2611 Fax: 02 6951 2719 Email: mark.stevens@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To develop sustainable strategies for the control of aquatic earthworms and

bloodworms in NSW rice crops by: − Identifying chemical treatments that will control the aquatic worm

Eukerria saltensis, and quantifying the relationship between worm populations and factors associated with crop establishment failure.

− Evaluating low drainage residue alternatives to chloropyrifos for bloodworm control in aerially sown rice crops, and investigating the colonisation of rice fields by species other than hironomus tepperi.

Current Progress:

Ecological studies on the earthworm Eukerria saltensis have continued, and show that low level populations (mainly cocoons) persist in dry rice soils for long periods, with hatching being stimulated by increasing soil moisture. A shortage of suitably dense infestations prevented chemical field trials against Eukerria in the 1998/9 season, however a standardised laboratory bioassay technique has been

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developed to allow pesticide testing to continue throughout the year. This will hopefully accelerate progress with developing chemical controls, as it will ensure only the most promising materials proceed to the more labour-intensive field evaluation stage. Substantial progress has been made on bloodworm ecology and control. Approximately 80% of the material from 2 seasons of faunistic studies has now been identified, and 16 species have been found in samples from the first 40 days after flooding. Potentially damaging species (other than Chironomus tepperi) include Polypedilum nubifer, Cryptochironomus griseodorsum, and Cladopelma sp. Trials of the pyrethroid insecticide alphacypermethrin against bloodworms in the 1998/9 season showed that this material at 6 grams active/hectare is at least as effective as chlorpyrifos at 75 grams active/hectare, and that it disappears from surface water much faster than chlorpyrifos. Further development of this material is warranted.

Agronomy/Crop Physiology

Project Title

Investigation of the molecular mechanisms causing cold induced sterility in rice

RIRDC Project No.:

ANU-29A

Start Date: 1/07/97 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Prof. Barry Rolfe Organisation: Australian National University

Plant Microbe Interaction Group Research School of Biological Sciences GPO Box 475 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6249 4054 Fax: 02 6249 0754 Email: rolfe@rsbs.anu.edu.au Objectives

• Developing a clearer understanding of the mechanisms that cause cold-induced

sterility will enable rice breeders to target specific physiological traits for selection in their ongoing program to develop varieties with lower yield losses due to cold-induced sterility.

Current Progress:

As little is known of the cellular changes caused by low temperatures the rice breeding program has insufficient information on what traits to enhance or remove. We have used sensitive and reproducible methods of 2-D electrophoresis of extracted proteins to examine total cellular expression changes in rice anthers as a result of a cold-temperature treatment. Batches of individual rice plants are grown and cold-treated during the most susceptible stage (tetrad), and anthers collected by micro-dissection out of the developing spikelets. When their upper 15 spikelets undergo tetrad formation, individual plants are moved from a 30 /20 growth chamber to an identical chamber running at 12 /12 . This enables us to give a similar cold treatments to different plants so that anthers can be pooled. Proteome analyses of cold-treated anthers and normally grown anthers of equivalent developmental stage have identified proteins whose levels are altered by the cold treatment. We are currently raising antibodies against a set of these

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proteins in order to assess the potential roles of these proteins in the anther during normal and cold-temperature affected development.

Project Title

Towards the development of more effective nitrogen-fixing associations between rice cultivars and endophytic bacteria

RIRDC Project No.:

ANU-34A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Prof. Barry Rolfe Organisation: Australian National University

Plant Microbe Interaction Group Research School of Biological Sciences GPO Box 475 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6249 4054 Fax: 02 6249 0754 Email: rolfe@rsbs.anu.edu.au Objectives

• Evaluation of six Endophytic Rhizobium strains for their capacity to colonise

and associate with Australian and IRRI rice cultivars and • To promote growth in these cultivars.

Current Progress:

Rhizobium bacteria normally nodulate legumes, but recently have been shown to associate intimately with the roots of rice plants. Some strains stimulate rice growth, others have little effect, while others inhibit plant development. Rice-Rhizobium isolates were tagged with the green fluorescent protein which enables non-destructive assays to be used so as to investigate the timing and extent of their rice association. Strain R4 which stimulates rice growth and strain E4 which inhibits growth, were used to inoculate cultivar Pelde seedlings and the plants grown in liquid media and examined under a microscope at 21 days after inoculation. Both strains associated with over 50% of the rice seedlings. The bacteria could colonise the root tips and along the root and also can enter into lateral roots but at levels of only about 1% of the total available roots. Unexpectedly, the rhizobia formed long lines of bacteria between the root cells in these lateral roots. Strain E4 also infected at the lateral root junctions on most seedlings, while strain R4 did not. Whether this is the basis of rice growth inhibition is now being investigated.

Project Title

Rice physiology: Maximising rice yields beyond 2000

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-160A

Start Date: 1/07/97 Finish Date: 30/06/02 Researcher: Mr. Robert L Williams Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2679

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Fax: 02 6955 7580 Email: robert.williams @agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

Maintain on-farm rice yield improvement through genetic and management gains based on a knowledge of rice physiology by: • Developing screening techniques for rapid early growth, high harvest index and

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

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

Current Progress:

This project has successfully progressed in the last 12 months with no changes in staff. Analyses of a range of new experiments are being completed resulting in the following highlights. 1. New insights into root growth and radiation use efficiency have been pursued using field data of the 1998 field trial which will be presented at the Temperate Rice Conference in June 1999. The results from 4 varieties suggest that root growth dramatically effects radiation use efficiency. This hypothesis is being tested with data collected in the 1999 season for 12 varieties. This experiment has involved detailed measurement of the crop growth both above and below ground in response to radiation interception. 2. Recent field research and crop modelling has continued to fine tune the management options of Langi, Millin and Namaga as well as Amaroo. In September 1999, maNage rice v 4.1 was released and distributed to 400 rice farmers. This release included varieties Namaga, Langi, Millin, Doongarra and Jarrah. A series of three large on farm experiments were conducted in the 1999 season. These trials included 4 varieties (Langi, Millin, Amaroo and Namaga) and 6 nitrogen treatments. Data and knowledge gained from these experiments will be included in future releases of maNage rice.

Crop Nutrition Project Title

Relating minerals in rice shoots and grain to soil tests, yield and grain quality

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-175A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/01 Researcher: Dr. Graeme D Batten Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2736 Fax: 02 6955 7580 Email: graeme.batten@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

To determine from soil, shoot and grain samples collected from rice farms with different soil types and rice histories and by intensive sampling of selected rice farms: • the influence of soil factors on plant growth, nutrient uptake, grain yield and

grain quality;

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• variation in plant and grain minerals within a field and the ability to detect this variation by remote images; and

• (iii) critical nutrient concentrations in whole rice shoots to provide a basis for diagnosing problem crops.

Current Progress:

In cooperation with CRC project 2102 and PhD student Sarah Spackman, plant samples have been collected, dried and ground in readiness for nitric acid digestion and ICP analysis. Remotely sensed images of the trial sites have been taken, and will be processed in combination with yield, mineral, greenness and biomass data collected on the ground, to assess within field variability. To examine the influence of soil factors on plant growth, nutrient uptake, grain yield and quality, and to assess between-farm variability, soil and plant samples have been taken from over 100 sites on farms treated with different N fertiliser rates, from across the rice-growing areas. The soil and plant samples are now ready for mineral analysis. Further studies on the role of Mg/K ratio in brown grain on the cooking quality of rice has not supported the original preliminary findings of the strong relationship found in Amaroo grain.

Crop Protection

Project Title

Rotational weed control practices for rice (continuation of AGR-3A)

RIRDC Project No.:

AGR-6A

Start Date: 1/07/98 Finish Date: 30/06/02 Researcher: Mr. Malcolm Taylor Organisation: Agropraisals Pty Ltd

RMB 1553A COBRAM VIC 3644

Phone: 03 5872 2892 Fax: 03 5872 2838 Email: mtaylor@cnl.com.au Objectives

• To develop rotational programs of herbicides coupled with the definition and

integration of cultural weed control methods for rice. • Promote adoption of these practices by improving farmer knowledge of these

issues through conduct of grower field days, publishing results in a format suitable to growers and assistance with preparation of annual weed control bulletins.

Current Progress:

Replicated field experiments were conducted last season to address the following issues: • Residual and post emergence herbicides (alone or in combinations) for grass

weed control in drill seeded rice. • Propanil plus molinate combinations for advanced barnyard grass control in

drill seeded rice. • MUSTER evaluation for barnyard grass and silvertop grass control in aerial

sown and drill seeded rice. • Water plantain control in aerial sown rice. • Multiple MOA programs for grass weed control in aerial and drill seeded rice. • Large scale demonstrations of recommended weed control programs.

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A field day was conducted in January 1999 to display results from these experiments. A summary of these results has been prepared and submitted for publication in the IREC farmers newsletter.

Project Title

Rice blast fungicide development in Australia

RIRDC Project No.:

AGR-7A

Start Date: 1/01/99 Finish Date: 30/09/99 Researcher: Mr. Malcolm Taylor Organisation: Agropraisals Pty Ltd

RMB 1553A COBRAM VIC 3644

Phone: 03 5872 2892 Fax: 03 5872 2838 Email: mtaylor@cnl.com.au Objectives

• To generate sufficient data to support an emergency registration of azoxystrobin for

fungal disease control in rice.

Current Progress:

Five field sites were treated with azoxystrobin @ 250 and 500 gai/ha last season. Forage, grain and straw samples were obtained at intervals after application. These samples were frozen and subsequently delivered to Probe Analytical laboratories in Ascot Vale for residue determination. Results ought to be available in September 1999.

Project Title

Survey of current rice stubble management practices for identification of research needs and future policy

RIRDC Project No.:

CSL-5A

Start Date: 1/02/99 Finish Date: 30/09/99 Researcher: Mr. Clive Kirkby Organisation: CSIRO Land and Water

PMB No 3 GRIFFITH NSW 2680

Phone: 02 6960 1500 Fax: 02 6960 1600 Email: clive.kirkby@grf.clw.csiro.au Objectives

• Current rice stubble management practices, perceived benefits and disadvantages

of stubble management practices, and results of past investigations into stubble management practices will be documented.

• Future research or policy needs for rice stubble management will be identified.

Current Progress:

Collecting of material for the literature survey is complete, analysis is ongoing. Farmers survey has been done, analysis of these results is also ongoing. The principal investigator is attending the 2nd Temperate Rice Conference (Sacramento) 13-17 June and will present a paper on the preliminary findings.

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Project Title

Further development of a mycoherbicide for control of Alismataceae weeds in rice

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-121A

Start Date: 1/07/95 Finish Date: 30/09/99 Researcher: Dr. Eric Cother Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Orange Agricultural Institute Forest Road ORANGE NSW 2800

Phone: 02 6391 3886 Fax: 02 6391 3899 Email: ric.cother@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To develop a robust biocontrol agent for control of Alismataceae weeds in rice

(especially A. lanceolatum) by further study of the biological and environmental factors which influence the infectivity of the fungal pathogen.

Current Progress:

The nutrient composition of liquid shake cultures was found to significantly influence conidia production by five isolates of Rhynchosporium alismatis after six days at 25ºC. Lima bean broth at pH 7.5 produced the most conidia (4.99 x 107/ml). The medium in which an isolate was grown had a significant effect on the virulence of the resulting conidia as measured by disease severity scores in leaf discs of Alisma lanceolatum after 3 and 13 days There was a significant difference between isolates, produced in the same medium, in the subsequent rate of disease development. Isolate DAR 73158 (isolated from an Alisma leaf at Coleambally in 1991) and lima bean broth as a substrate are considered to be the combination of choice for further studies to explore the fitness of conidia produced in small scale biofermentors. Chlamydospores (thick-walled spherical structures formed in chains within mycelial strands) of R. alismatis have been observed in cultures growing on potato dextrose agar and in shake-culture broths based on malt extract. As comparatively robust structures, chlamydospores offer an alternative or additional inoculum source for a biological control agent if the requirements for production, germination and infection are known.

Project Title

Biological control of starfruit in rice fields using a mycoherbicide

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-7A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 30/09/99 Researcher: Dr. Eric Cother Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Orange Agricultural Institute Forest Road ORANGE NSW 2800

Phone: 02 6391 3886 Fax: 02 6391 3899 Email: cothere@agric.nsw.gov.au

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Objectives • To fund a Post-Graduate Scholarship for a Ph.D student to develop integrated control strategies for the aquatic rice weed Starfruit (Damasonium minus)

Current Progress:

Rhynchosporium alismatis is being investigated for its suitability as a biocontrol agent of starfruit (Damasonium minus). Several in vitro, and in vivo experiments using detached leaf discs and the glasshouse-grown plants have been performed. In culture, the fungus produces large quantities of conidia which are able to infect plants within 24 hours of inoculation. The effects of the disease vary with the plant age; while in adult plants it causes mostly necrosis and chlorosis on aerial parts, the disease in juveniles significantly reduces plant growth. For disease development and subsequent growth suppression, juvenile plants must be inoculated after lowering the water to the soil level. Contrary to most other fungi, a dew period does not appear to be a limiting factor to R. alismatis germination and infection. Preliminary tests have indicated possible synergy between the fungus and sublethal doses of chemical herbicides which could further enhance the suppressive effects on juvenile starfruit plants. Current research is focussing on the genetic variability of the weed populations and the effect of the fungus in reducing the competitiveness of starfruit.

Project Title

Biology of arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis)

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-16A

Start Date: 1/07/96 Finish Date: 30/11/00 Researcher: Prof. James Pratley Organisation: Charles Sturt University

PO Box 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678

Phone: 02 6933 2864 Fax: 02 6933 2868 Objectives

• This project aims to improve the knowledge and understanding of the biology

of arrowhead. • The outcomes are that systems for management of the weed will be better able

to be developed to counteract the problem of herbicide resistance which threatens the undermine rice production in Australia.

Current Progress:

Research on the many aspects of arrowhead biology continues. This includes germination and competition studies in the glasshouse and field and quantification of the magnitude of seed production. A paper will be presented at the Australian Weeds Conference in September on the effect of early desiccation on arrowhead survival. This research stems from suggestions by members of the Rice R&D Committee. It shows that an early period of water removal from rice bays, after a few days of standing water in which arrowhead is allowed to germinate but not allowed to grow too large, may restrict arrowhead success in the crop. Studies of arrowhead biology, dormancy and herbicide resistance are progressing. Research into the distribution of arrowhead is almost complete. A farmer survey was sent out with the special rice edition of the Farmers' Newsletter. The results of this survey have been compiled and are currently being entered into a GIS to give a clear idea of arrowhead distribution. The data are heavily weighted by the number of responses from the Murray Valley but can be combined with other data collected during arrowhead seed collection in the CIA and MIA, to provide a more complete picture of arrowhead distribution.

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Project Title

Development of integrated weed management strategies for the rice weed Cyperus difformis and Alisma plantago-aquatica

RIRDC Project No.:

UCS-20A

Start Date: 1/07/97 Finish Date: 31/07/01 Researcher: Prof. James Pratley Organisation: Charles Sturt University

PO Box 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678

Phone: 02 6933 2864 Fax: 02 6933 2868 Email: jpratley@csu.edu.au Objectives

• To reduce the threat of the aquatic weeds, dirty dora and water plantain, by

understanding the biology of the weeds in order to develop integrated management strategies.

Current Progress:

This project was commenced in July 1998 and has seen one rice-growing season so far. This has given a better perspective of the infestation of the rice crop and has helped identify key issues and directions for research. The distribution of Cyperus difformis is widespread in all three rice-growing areas (MIA, CIA and MVID) based on surveys conducted. Field conditions were simulated in glasshouses and in growth cabinets to identify basic conditions of germination including light, temperature and humidity. Water depth and seed production experiments are in progress and data show a definite relationship between water depth and initiation of inflorescence. Competition trials with rice, soil medium, seed placement and herbicide tolerance are future areas of investigation. Alisma plantago-aquatica is a growing problem as a rice weed, with it expanding in abundance and distribution as well as exhibiting herbicide tolerance. This project aims to look at the biology and patterns of distribution of A. plantago-aquatica. At present, experiments are also in progress to investigate its germination requirements and other aspects of its biology.

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Sustainable Farming Systems Project Title

Identification and management of soil acidification in irrigated farming systems of southern NSW

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-161A

Start Date: 1/07/97 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Mr. Geoff Beecher Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Yanco Agricultural Institute YANCO NSW 2703

Phone: 02 6951 2725 Fax: 02 6955 7580 Email: geoff.beecher@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

• To reverse of soil acidification before subsoils become acid which will

maintain a wide choice of crop species. • To have increased knowledge of topsoil and subsoil aciditiy in irrigated lands

of southern NSW. • To have improved understanding of the impact of soil management (eg.

landforming) and crop management (cropping sequence and intensity, irrigation management and fertiliser use) on soil acidification mechanisms under irrigation.

• To have increased farmer awareness of best practices and systems for soil acidity management that are compatible with irrigation cropping systems.

Current Progress:

Following Matthew Hood’s resignation, Mrs Kylie Elliot was temporarily employed. A new Project officer has been appointed - Belinda Lake. Belinda has become familiar with existing data and soil acidity background materials. Historical soil acidity data from District Agronomists records for Narrandera, Yanco, Griffith, Coleambally, Finley and Wakool agronomy districts have been accessed, organised into spreadsheets and geo-coded for incorporation into GIS database where the spatial distribution of sample sites and relationships with soil types can be investigated. Soil sampling to 50 cm in 10 cm increments in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys has continued. Soil analysis via commercial soil testing laboratory has been undertaken Of the soils sampled so far some 37% in the 0-10 cm interval and 11% in the 10-20 cm interval are below pH 5.0 (CaCl2). Awareness raising of acid soil concerns in irrigation areas has been progressed by • Plans for awareness raising via crop discussion groups and field days has

been initiated • Static display and attendance at Rice Research Field day Yanco Agricultural

Institute 1999 • Static display and attendance 2 days of Murrumbidgee Farm Fair Yanco

Agricultural Institute 1999 undertaken • Newspaper press release published A Factsheet on soil pH has been written for publication/distribution through AcidSoilAction.

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Technology Transfer and Communications Project Title

Better extension programs for improved rice yields

RIRDC Project No.:

DAN-162A

Start Date: 1/01/98 Finish Date: 30/06/00 Researcher: Mr. Warwick Clampett Organisation: NSW Department of Agriculture

Griffith Centre for Irrigated Agriculture PO Box 1087 GRIFFITH NSW 2680

Phone: 02 6960 1317; 017 812 633 Fax: 02 6963 0255 Email: warwick.clampett@agric.nsw.gov.au Objectives

Improve yields, grain quality, profitability and sustainability of rice production by: • identifying the needs of ricegrowers and constraints to improvement in the rice

production system; • developing crop management recommendations and best management

practices from existing technology, current practices and new research and development outcomes; and

• implementing effective extension programs to achieve better technology adoption on farm.

Current Progress:

1. Crop Evaluation Program

• Data was collected from 587 rice crops. Collection of data commenced in January 1998 and was completed in August 1998, data entry and analysis being facilitated by the new programmed software. The individual Ricecheck Crop Evaluation Reports were mailed to growers in September 1998. District analyses were provided to each Agronomist.

• Arrangements have been made with the Statistical Group at Charles Sturt University to subject the combined data from the 5 tears from 1993 to 1998 harvests to a further evaluation and analysis.

• Data collection from the 1999 harvest has commenced. 2. Surveys and Demonstration Program

• Weed Control Demonstrations - Six demonstrations were conducted, one in each of the main rice districts, during the 1998/99 rice season. They compared four commercial herbicide programs. Field Days were held at each site.

• Survey of Water Depths @ Early Pollen Microspore - A survey of Murray Valley rice crops was conducted in January 1999.

• District Agronomists in the Murray Valley were assisted with District Fertilisers Demonstrations, and P.I. and Harvest Sampling Comparisons between eastern and western Murray Valley crops

3. Extension Support Program

• Graphs and poster were prepared for use by the District Agronomists in Rice Discussion Groups and Field Days.

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Project Title

Technology transfer for a more productive and sustainable rice farming system

RIRDC Project No.:

IRE-3A

Start Date: 1/07/97 Finish Date: 30/06/02 Researcher: Mr. Nick Hutchins Organisation: Irrigation Research & Extension Committee

c/- CSIRO PMB 3 GRIFFITH NSW 2680

Phone: 02 6960 1550 Fax: 02 6960 1562 Objectives

To provide an integrated technology transfer mechanism for the rice R&D program which will lead to more profitable and sustainable rice and general irrigation farming systems in southern NSW. The project will deliver: • Pre-season rice technology meetings in all rice producing districts. • Rice discusion groups through the production season. • A major rice field day each season. • Four editions of the Farmers' Newsletter each year. • An annual Irrigated Farm Competition to improve water use efficiency. • Regular planning and review meetings to ensure the relevance of irrigation • R&D.Examination of innovative options for technology transfer, eg: the

Internet, CD rom.

Current Progress:

In the twelve month period to June 1999, the objectives of the project have been met by: • Revision of Ricecheck Recommendations and distribution to all ricegrowers. • Conduct of eight pre-season ricegrower meetings attended by over 500

ricegrowers. • Conduct of over 120 rice discussion groups during the ricegrowing season. • A major Rice Field Day was held in March. Topics covered at the field day

included: Performance of new variety Opus; testing for cold tolerance in overseas varieties; CSIRO rice in rotation; NIR soil test; the CRC breeding program; herbicide resistance strategies; nitrogen management.

• Publication of a special rice research edition of the Farmers' Newsletter - distributed to all ricegrowers.

• Conduct of an Irrigated Farm Competition for broadacre irrigators in November/December, 1998.

• Meetings of winter and summer crop sub-committees to determine R&D priorities.