Source: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
IMPROVEMENT OF RICE PRODUCTION WITH PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
Sponsoring Institution
State Agricultural Experiment Station
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
STATE
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0199126
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 2004
Project End Date
Dec 31, 2007
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE,LA 70803-0100
Performing Department
RICE RESEARCH STATION
Non Technical Summary
There are genetic, physiological, and environmental limitations on rice production. This project examines the influence of plant growth regulators on various physiological aspects of plant growth and development associated with crop management and production in rice.
Animal Health Component
90%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
90%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
20515301020100%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
1530 - Rice;

Field Of Science
1020 - Physiology;
Goals / Objectives
1. To improve seedling vigor in rice. 2. To reduce plant stature and enhance lodging resistance in rice. 3. To alter red rice growth and development to limit seed production and minimize cross pollination with herbicide tolerant rice. 4. To modify reproductive development in rice to improve yield potential. 5. To stimulate growth in second (ratoon) crop rice following harvest of the first crop.
Project Methods
Plant growth regulator research on seedling vigor will involve the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to seed and seedlings. In drill-seeded studies, seed will be planted well into the soil moisture zone where moisture is adequate for germination and emergence. Varieties and experimental lines will be planted in single rows spaced 7 inches apart and 20 feet in length. No irrigation will be provided during the experiment. Identical experiments will be planted in March and April. Rate of emergence and final seedling population will be evaluated over a 1-month period following planting. Number of emerged and emerging seedlings will be counted every 2 to 3 days until increases cease. Following these evaluations, each row will be subdivided in four 5-foot sections, and the established seedlings in each section will be sprayed with PGRs. Seedling height will be evaluated, and environmental conditions relative to temperature and rain will be recorded during the evaluation periods. Lodging susceptible varieties will be selected from the current list of recommended rice varieties for Louisiana. Seeding rate and nitrogen fertility will be varied to provide several degrees of lodging. Growth suppressants will be applied at different times and rates. Times will focus on the stem elongation stages of growth. Height will be monitored following treatments. At maturity, plant height and lengths of the major internodes on the main stem will be measured. Lodging will be determined by the percentage (based on area) of the plot with leaning plants and the degree of lean (angle away from the vertical). Herbicide-resistant (HR) rice varieties will be grown in an area with a natural red rice infestation. Newpath, similar herbicides, and PGRs with known seedhead suppressant activity will be applied during the reproductive phase of growth of red rice. HR rice will be evaluated for injury. During heading of the HR varieties, maturity differences between red rice and HR rice will be documented. At maturity of the HR rice, red rice will be evaluated for the effects of PGRs on plant height, tiller density, amount and degree of panicle exsertion, and seed production. Grain will be evaluated for grade and quality due to the presence of red rice. PGRs will be applied to seeds and foliage to determine the direct effect on grain production. Foliar application will be made during the seedling, tillering, internode initiation, panicle initiation, panicle differentiation, booting, heading, and grain filling stages. Plant size (shoot height and root length and number), tiller density, and general appearance will be measured at 7 to 14 days after treatment. Grain yields will be determined and yield components measured. Research on ratoon crop rice will involve applying PGRs to the first and ratoon crops. Auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins will be applied foliarly during the grain filling and maturation stages of the first crop and during the early developmental stages of the ratoon crop. Plant growth and development and crop production will be evaluated following similar guidelines as those elucidated in the previous paragraph.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Forty-six experiments were conducted at the Rice Research Station (field and greenhouse) and 12 experiments were conducted at farm sites. Project personnel, as well as agro-chemical industry personnel, extension agents, and rice growers, were involved. Research was presented and discussed at the Plant Growth Regulation Society of America (business manager through 2006), Rice Technical Working Group, Western Plant Growth Regulator and Southern Weed Science Society of America annual meetings, and at field days at the Rice Research Station and in Evangeline, Jeff Davis, Vermilion, and Acadia parishes. Phone conversations, email communications, and field visits with farmers, agro-chemical industry and university-based personnel, and county agents seeking advice on rice growth and physiology in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and California occurred. Provided current information on the use of gibberellic acid in rice to three agro-chemical companies to assist with product recommendations and information to the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service on the performance of commercially available plant growth regulators. Rice Production Handbook update for the chapter on rice growth and development submitted. The chapter is being expanded to include second crop growth. PARTICIPANTS: INDIVIDUALS: Richard Dunand, Project Leader (Physiology project personnel); Raymond Dilly, Research Associate; Student Transient Workers - Lee Fremeaux, 2004; Alex Rasmussen, 2004-2005; Tyler Vondenstein, 2006; Joshua Hebert, 2005-2007; Tyler Robichaux, 2007. COLLABORATORS: Steve Linscombe and breeding project personnel; Dustin Harrell, Jason Bond, and Pat Bollich and agronomy project personnel; Ray McClain and crawfish project personnel; Mike Stout and entomology project personnel; Eric Webster and weed science project personnel; County Agents - Howard Cormier, Eddie Eskew, and Ronnie Levy; Fifteen rice farmers in southwest Louisiana. PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: Michael Hensgens and G&H Seed Company personnel; Marcus Adair and Valent BioScience personnel; Bill Odel and Valent U.S.A. personnel; Jerry Stoller and Stoller Enterprises personnel; Alan Dalrymple and Chemura personnel; Gary Custis and PBI/Gordon personnel; Jim Stroike and RiceTec personnel; Anna McClung and Texas A&M Rice Research and Extension Center personnel; Karen Moldenhauer and University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center personnel; John Harden and BASF personnel; Fred Strachan and Bayer Crop Science personnel; Ronnie Turner and DuPont personnel; Gerald Dill and Monsanto personnel; Joe Street and Mississippi State University Delta Branch Experiment Station personnel; David Sills, California Rice Consultant; Butch Millet and Helena personnel; Takuro Shinohara and Kumiai America personnel; Jeffery Norrie and Acadian Agritech personnel; John Immaraju and AMVAC Chemical personnel; Don Gates and Agrifresh/Dow AgroSciences personnel; Maurice DeBenedetto and Dormex Company personnel; Gary Stutte and Dynamac Corporation personnel; Lance Beem and Emovations Technology personnel; Keith Major and Gowan personnel; Jack McDaniel and Loveland Products personnel; Der-I Wang and LT Biosyn personnel; Jerry Wells and Syngenta personnel; Jerry Mayeux and PlantBioTech personnel. TARGET AUDIENCES: Farmers, Extension Service County Agents, and University Scientists. The first major use of a plant growth regulator on a cereal crop in the U.S. occurred in rice with the gibberellic acid seed treatment. The response of semidwarf rice varieties to seed treatment with gibberellic acid improved seedling emergence and stand in a drilled-seeded system contributing to the wide acceptance of these varieties.

Impacts
Seedling vigor related to emergence and seedling height was increased dramatically by gibberellic acid. Seed treatment caused 3 to 5 days earlier emergence, up to 25% higher final seedling populations, and 4 to 8 cm taller seedlings compared with controls, depending on entry (variety or experimental line) and planting date. Second crop yield was increased up to 15% with the application of gibberellic acid and mitotic inhibitors (mefluidide and maleic hydrazide) during the late stages of grain filling in the first crop. Gibberellic acid applied during the early stages of grain filling of the first crop had no effect on grain yield or milling yield of the first crop or on grain production of the second crop. Second crop yields were influenced by stubble height in the first crop, and tall stubble (54 cm) produced up to 15% higher yields compared with short stubble (20 cm). Photoperiod sensitive germplasm was identified that could be planted in mid-summer with little to no seed production by fall in a rice-forage based crawfish production system. Plant growth regulators, applied to seed and seedlings, positively influenced seedling vigor in the first crop and has resulted in the acceptance of low seeding rates in herbicide-resistant and hybrid rice, both being expensive seed compared with standard varieties. The improvement in seedling vigor with plant growth regulators influenced water conservation, fuel costs, pesticide use, and nitrogen fertility efficiency leading to a reduction in input costs. Plant growth regulators applied prior to harvest and stubble management influenced grain production in the second crop. Increasing grain yield with plant growth regulators and alternative harvest management practices has a direct effect on income, and photoperiod sensitive (short day) rice has the potential to improve crawfish production. Photoperiod sensitive rice is dramatically different in the mechanism controlling reproductive development compared with all standard rice varieties.

Publications

  • Saichuk, J.K., Dunand, R.T., et al. 2007. Plant Growth Regulators. In: 2007 Rice Varieties and Management Tips. La. Coop. Extn. Serv. Pub. 2270. 24 pp.
  • Dunand, R.T. et al. 2007. Rice Physiology Reports. Ann. Res. Rpt., Rice Res. Stn., La. Agri. Exp. Stn., LSU Agricultural Center, 99:in press.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2007. Red Rice Suppression with Plant Growth Regulators in Clearfield Rice. Proc. S. Weed Sci. Soc. 60:70.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Seedling vigor related to emergence and seedling height was increased by several plant growth regulators, including gibberellic acid. Seed treatment caused 3 to 5 days earlier emergence, 15% higher final seedling populations, and 5- to 7-cm taller seedlings compared with controls. Second crop yield was increased by 15% with the application of mitotic inhibitors (mefluidide and maleic hydrazide) during the late stages of grain filling in the first crop. Gibberellic acid applied during the early stages of grain filling of the first crop had no effect on grain yield of second crop. A heavy infestation of Cercospora and other stem diseases late in the first crop may have influenced the results. Second crop yields were influenced by stubble height in the first crop, and tall stubble (54 cm) produced 15% higher yields compared with short stubble (20 cm) for two of the four varieties studied.

Impacts
Plant growth regulators applied to seed and seedlings will positively influence seedling vigor in the first crop. Plant growth regulators applied prior to harvest and stubble management will influence grain production in the second crop. The improvement in seedling vigor with plant growth regulators influences water conservation, fuel costs, pesticide use, and nitrogen fertility efficiency leading to a reduction in input costs. Increasing grain yield with plant growth regulators and alternative harvest management practices has a direct effect on income.

Publications

  • Saichuk, J.K., Dunand, R.T., et al. 2006. Plant growth regulators. In: 2006 Rice Varieties and Management Tips. La. Coop. Extn. Serv. Pub. 2270. 24 pp.
  • Dunand, R.T. et al. 2006. Rice physiology reports. Ann. Res. Rpt., Rice Res. Stn., La. Agri. Exp. Stn., LSU Agricultural Center, 97:282-338.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2006. Plant growth regulators and second crop production in rice. Proc. Western Pl. Growth Reg. Soc. 18:1-4.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2006. The impact of growth promotants and retardants on second crop production in drill-seeded rice. PGRSA Quarterly 34(2):30.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2006. Late-season red rice suppression in early maturing Clearfield rice with growth retardants. Proc. S. Weed Sci. Soc. 59:15.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2006. Growth retardation of red rice with Newpath in Clearfield rice. Proc. Rice Tech. Wrkg. Grp. 31:180.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2006. The impact of growth promotants and retardants on second crop production in drill-seeded rice. 33:82.
  • Linscombe, S.D., X. Sha, K. Beard, Q.R. Chu, D. E. Groth, L. M. White, R.T. Dunand, and P.K. Bollich. 2006. Registration of 'Cheniere' rice. Crop Science 46:1814-1815.
  • Linscombe, S.D., X. Sha, J.A. Bond, K. Bearb, M.C. Rush, Q.R. Chu, D.E. Groth, L.M. White, and R.T. Dunand. 2006. Registration of 'Trenasse' rice. Crop Science 46:2318-2319.
  • Sha, X., S.D. Linscombe, K. Beard, Q.R. Chu, D. E. Groth, L. M. White, R.T. Dunand, and P.K. Bollich. 2006. Registration of 'Jupiter' rice. Crop Science 46:1811-1812.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Plant growth regulators improved seedling vigor, limited red rice growth, and increased second crop yield of rice. Seed treatment with gibberellic acid of 17 varieties, 2 hybrids, and 2 experimental lines hastened emergence by 3 days and increased stand density by 20%. Foliar treatment lengthened shoots by 50% within 7 days after application. A single preflood application of the herbicide, imazethapyr, reduced red rice by 90% in CL131 and CL161, imidazolinone-resistant varieties. Panicle production in red rice survivors was equally suppressed by imazethapyr applied at midseason or maleic hydrazide and mefluidide, plant growth regulators, applied late season. Follow-up treatments of herbicide and plant growth regulators reduced red rice panicle production equally compared with a second preflood application of imazethapyr that accomplished 95% control of red rice. Grain yields of CL131 and CL161 were similar with the multiple imazethapyr preflood treatments and combinations of imazethapyr and plant growth regulators. Gibberellic acid applied during the early stages of grain filling of the first crop and maleic hydrazide and mefluidide applied during the maturation stages of the first crop increased grain yield up to 30% in the second crop. Reductions in first crop stubble height from 46 to 23 cm delayed heading by 7 days, delayed maturity, and decreased grain yield by 25% in the second crop.

Impacts
Plant growth regulator use in rice can have a direct, positive impact on crop vigor, weed control, and grain production. Also, improving crop growth and development with plant growth regulators facilitates crop management, which decreases production costs and increases overall productivity.

Publications

  • Dunand, R.T. 2005. Post Anthesis PGR Application and First and Second Crop Production in Drill-Seeded Rice. PGRSA Quarterly 33(2):59.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2005. Crop Tolerance and Control Measures for Outcrossing in Clearfield Tolerant Rice. Proc. S. Weed Sci. Soc. 58:5.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2005. Post Anthesis PGR Application and First and Second Crop Production in Drill-Seeded Rice. Proc. Pl. Growth Reg. Soc. of Am. 32:45.
  • Saichuk, J.K., Dunand, R.T., et al. 2005. Plant Growth Regulators. In: 2005 Rice Varieties and Management Tips. La. Coop. Extn. Serv. Pub. 2270. 24 pp.
  • Dunand, R.T. et al. 2004. Rice Physiology Reports. Ann. Res. Rpt., Rice Res. Stn., La. Agri. Exp. Stn., LSU Agricultural Center, 96:230-295.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2005. Minimizing the Threat of Outcrossing in Herbicide Tolerant (Clearfield) Rice. Proc. Western Pl. Growth Reg. Soc. 17:1-4.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Plant growth regulators improved seedling vigor, increased ratoon crop growth, reduced height, and increased yield of rice. Seed treatment with gibberellic acid on 12 varieties and seven experimental lines hastened emergence by 3 to 10 days, increased stand density by up to 25%, and almost doubled seedling height. CL161 (imazethapyr-tolerant) rice had 20 to 30% higher seedling vigor with gibberellic acid seed and foliar treatments, leading to significantly higher (8%) grain yield across seeding rates (30, 60, and 90 lb/A). Imazethapyr, applied late season, eliminated panicle production in red rice with minimal impact on CL161 grain production. Combinations of auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins applied during the reproductive phase of growth increased grain yield from 3 to 8% in tall and semidwarf long-grain varieties. Postemergence application of bipyribac-sodium resulted in 10% reductions in mature plant height and yield. Trinexapac ethyl in combination with high plant population and nitrogen fertility reduced mature plant height and yield up to 20% with no effect from adjuvants. Seedling populations under 70 plants/sq m reduced first, second, and total crop yield by 20%, with panicle density being the limiting factor. Reducing main crop stubble height from 46 to 18 cm delayed heading by 5 days, had no effect on mature plant height or grain moisture at harvest, and increased grain yield by 25% in the ratoon crop. Growth inhibitors applied during the maturation stages of the main crop doubled early growth, hastened heading by 3 to 5 days, and increased grain yield up to 8% in the ratoon crop. Combinations of auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins applied during heading and early grain filling in the ratoon crop increased grain yield up to 5%.

Impacts
Plant growth regulator use in rice can have a direct, positive impact on crop vigor, weed control, lodging tolerance, and grain production. Also, improving crop growth and development with plant growth regulators facilitates crop management, which decreases production costs and increases overall productivity.

Publications

  • Saichuk, J.K., Dunand, R.T., et al. 2004. Plant growth regulators. In: 2005 Rice Varieties and Management Tips. La. Coop. Extn. Serv. Pub. 2270. 24 pp.
  • Dunand, R.T. et al. 2003. Rice Physiology Reports. Ann. Res. Rpt., Rice Res. Stn., La. Agri. Exp. Stn., LSU Agricultural Center, 95:172-231.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2004. Plant growth regulators for rice production. Proc. Western Pl. Growth Reg. Soc. 16:22-25.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2004. Trinexapac-ethyl, plant population, nitrogen fertility, and crop production in drill-seeded rice. PGRSA Quarterly 32(2):48.
  • Dunand, R.T., R.R. Dilly, Jr., E.P. Webster, C.T. Leon, W. Zhang, and C.R. Mudge. 2004. Response of Clearfield rice to Newpath applied during the reproductive phase of growth. Proc. S. Weed Sci. Soc. 57:65.
  • Dunand, R.T. and Dilly, R.R. 2004. Impact of plant growth regulators on lodging and rice production. Proc. Rice Tech. Wk. Grp. 30:186-187.
  • Zou, Li, Michael J. Stout, and Richard T. Dunand. 2004. The effects of feeding by the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, on the growth and yield components of rice, Oryza sativa. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 6:47-53.
  • Dunand, R.T. 2004. Trinexapac-ethyl, plant population, nitrogen fertility, and crop production in drill-seeded rice. Proc. Pl. Growth Reg. Soc. of Am. 31:25.
  • Groth, D.E., Dunand, R.T., Hollier, C.A., Rush, M.C., and Shao, Q. 2004. Bakanae-like symptoms produced by gibberellic acid in Louisiana. Proc. Rice Tech. Wk. Grp. 30:116.
  • Dunand, R.T. and Dilly, R.R. 2004. Impact of gibberellic acid seed treatment and seeding rate on crop production of drill-seeded CL161. Proc. Rice Tech. Wk. Grp. 30:186.