Developing a Variety Assessment Program for Florida Rice Producers
Agronomy & Pest Management
Matthew VanWeelden
Extension Agent III
UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach County
BELLE GLADE
Abstract
Rice in Florida is produced on ~27,000 acres of land in rotation with sugarcane, and acts as an effective crop for Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Because Florida's rice acreage is relatively low, the state lacks a dedicated rice breeding program and is dependent on varieties acquired from other rice-producing states. Thus, the primary objective of this program is to test new rice varieties by using on-farm yield performance trials in order to determine which varieties are most compatible under South Florida’s climate. From 2016 to 2022, a total of 16 on-farm, small-plot variety performance trials have been conducted to assess yield, grain quality, and disease susceptibility among 25 varieties. Within each trial, rice varieties were randomly assigned to small-plots measuring 20-ft by 8-ft (6 rows) over four replications. Rice was grown under standard commercial practices, and plots were harvested after ~115 days to determine yield and quality. Results from these trials indicate an 11.1% increase in yield when comparing medium-grain variety 'Titan' with 'Jupiter'. This increase in yield equates to roughly $1.19 more per hundred weight (cwt), equivalent to an additional $60 per acre in crop value. The 4.7% increase in yield when comparing long-grain variety 'Diamond' with 'Rex' is equivalent to approximately $0.48 per cwt, or $24 per acre in crop value. In addition, over 5,500 acres of 'LaKast' are being replaced by the newly recommended long-grain variety ‘Jewel’, which yields 5.1% greater, equating to an additional $36 per acre. By replacing acres of 'LaKast' with 'Jewel', the rice industry has increased monetary gains by approximately $198,000 ($36 x 5,500 acres). Finally, high-yielding hybrid rice varieties are being adopted by Florida growers for the first time in the industry’s history as a result of this program, with over 700 acres of hybrid rice planted in 2022. The adoption of new rice varieties from this program will continue to ensure that rice remains a profitable rotational crop in South Florida.
Authors: Dr. Matthew VanWeelden
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Dr. Matthew VanWeelden Extension Agent III, University of Florida IFAS Extension , Florida, 33430