RIRDC Completed Projects in 2002-2003 & Research in Progress as at June 2003

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3.4 Rice - Completed Projects
Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
Varietal improvement & pure seeds maintenance
UNS-12A	Flavour and texture qualities of new Australian fragrant rice cultivars	Ms Kirstin Wilkie	(02) 9385 5367	University of New South Wales
USC-4A	Development and application of marker assisted selection in the rice improvement program	Prof Robert Henry	(02) 6620 3010	Southern Cross University
Crop protection
DAN-184A	Improving bloodworm, snail and earthworm control in rice	Dr Mark Stevens	(02) 6951 2611	NSW Department of Agriculture
UCS-26A	Integrated management of Alismataceae weeds to reduce herbicide resistance	Dr Farzad Jahromi	(02) 6933 2285	Charles Sturt University
UCS-28A	Influence of species on efficiency of barnyard grass control	Prof James Pratley	(02) 6933 2864	Charles Sturt University
Sustainable farming systems
CSL-21A	Summer vacation scholarship in irrigation agriculture research: irrigation scheduling and soil water distribution of drip irrigated rice	Dr Evan Christen	(02) 6960 1586	CSIRO Land and Water
Human Capital
CSL-8A	Summer vacation scholarship in irrigation agriculture research: determination of rice soil hydraulic properties	Dr Liz Humphreys	(02) 6960 1500	CSIRO Land and Water

Project Title	Flavour and texture qualities of new Australian fragrant rice cultivars
RIRDC Project No.:	UNS-12A
Researcher:	Kirstin Wilkie
Organisation:	University of NSW Department of Food Science and Technology
Phone:	(02) 9385 5367
Fax:	(02) 9385 5931
Email:	kirstinwilkie@hotmail.com
Objectives	· To facilitate Australian rice breeding programs with the development of new fragrant rice cultivars.
Background	The local and export market for specialty fragrant rices, including Jasmine and Basmati, is expanding for Australia due to increased consumption of these rices in Western countries. Australia, at present, commercially produces only one fragrant rice cultivar, which is of the Thai Jasmine type. Therefore the development of an Australian grown Basmati cultivar is a high priority within the NSW rice breeding program. For the successful development of these rices research regarding aroma quality is needed. In particular, comparison to imported varieties, which are the benchmark, is needed. Methods for the rapid detection of fragrance and the biogenesis of aroma compounds in rice is also important.
Research	The volatile aroma compounds and perceived odours of Australian fragrant rice cultivars were determined and compared to imported varieties. The effect the application level of nitrogen fertiliser on volatile aroma compounds in rice plants during growth and in the grain was investigated. A rapid method for collection of aroma volatiles in rice plants, suitable for use in early generation screening and on-farm, was developed and preliminary studies on the biogenesis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrolline (2-AP, the key aroma constituent of fragrant rice) involving levels of total and free amino acids was studied.
Outcomes	· Low (50kg N/ha) levels compared to normal (150kg N/ha) levels of nitrogen fertiliser resulted in a lower overall concentration of volatile aroma compounds in rice plants only at the early growth stage of tillering. Levels of volatile components in the grain were not affected by level of nitrogen application.  · The Australian Basmati breeding line (YRF203) differed from commercial imported samples in the concentration of volatile aroma compounds. In particular, YRF203 grain had higher concentrations of 2-AP being quantified in the grain.  · An Australian Jasmine breeding line YRF207 was found to contain significantly less 2-AP compared to the commercial Kyeema variety over two seasons of testing.  · Storage trials on the volatile components of some Australian Basmati breeding lines highlighted the effects of storage conditions onto the aroma with losses of some components, especially 2-AP, and increases in others. This highlights the importance of storage conditions on aroma quality of rice.  · The results of sensory analysis of rice aroma are promising for the development and success of Australian fragrant rice in local and export markets. Australian Jasmine and Basmati fragrant rice varieties have their own characteristic aroma, which is perceived as significantly different from imported counterparts. However these were positive differences with neither being preferred over the other. · An objective method for the detection of aroma in rice plant tissue has been achieved using solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) to adsorb 2-AP. SPME can be used on-farm for the screening of fragrance in rice plants at the early growth stages without waiting for the mature grain. This allows the rapid detection of fragrance, at early generation stages, which is desirable in breeding programs. · Attempts to correlate levels of free and total amino acids, especially proline, did not yield conclusive results. The question of 2-AP biogenesis remains very important, in particular for its implications towards utilisation of genetic modification to develop new fragrant varieties
Implications	This project has demonstrated that: · Although there are significant differences between the volatile components of Australian and imported fragrant rice, sensory testing indicated that the former were at least equally acceptable to Australian consumers as the latter. · There needs to be further research into effects of storage conditions on volatile components, especially loss of 2-AP, to define conditions which will optimise retention of aroma characteristics · Levels of volatile components in rice grain were unaffected by level of nitrogen fertiliser application, although higher nitrogen levels generally led to higher levels in early stages of plant growth. · SPME technology allows for on-farm collection of rice plant volatiles, especially 2-AP facilitating early generation of fragrance, using an objective method and not requiring mature grain for testing. · The question of 2-AP biosynthesis needs further research, using isotope labelled compounds and glass house experiments, especially because of its implications for genetic modification work on fragrant rice.
Publications	Wilkie, K., Craske, JD. and Wootton, M. "The effects of nitrogen fertiliser application on volatile compounds in rice". Proceedings of the 50th RACI Cereal Conference, 540-544, Surfers Paradise, 8-15 September 2000. Wilkie, K., Wootton, M and Paton, JE. "Sensory testing of Australian fragrant, imported fragrant and non-fragrant rice aroma". Proceedings of the 51st RACI Cereal Conference, 181-185, Coogee NSW, 9-13 September 2001. Wilkie, K., Craske, JD. and Wootton, M. "The use of solid phase micro-extraction for the analysis of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline" Proceedings of the 51st RACI Cereal Conference, 186-189, Coogee NSW, 9-13 September 2001. Zhang, A., Wilkie, K., Craske, JD. Wootton, M. and Szrednicki, G, "Volatile components of a Laotian waxy fragrant rice". Proceedings of the 51st RACI Cereal Conference, 190-193, Coogee NSW, 9-13 September 2001. Wilkie, K., Craske, JD. and Wootton, M. "Effect of nitrogen fertiliser level on the concentration of aroma volatiles in rice plants and grain ". Proceedings of the 51st RACI Cereal Conference, 203-207, Coogee NSW, 9-13 September 2001. Wilkie, K., Wootton, M and Paton, JE. "Sensory testing of Australian fragrant, imported fragrant and non-fragrant rice aroma". International Journal of Food Properties. In press


 
 
 
 

Project Title:	Development and application of marker assisted selection in the rice improvement program
RIRDC Project No.:	USC-4A
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	· To identify molecular markers that are genetically linked to, and therefore allow efficient selection for, traits of economic importance to the rice industry.
Background	Molecular markers are pieces of DNA that can flag the presence or absence of both desirable and undesirable traits in any organism. These markers are particularly useful in plant breeding for two principal reasons; 1/ they can efficiently screen for desirable traits early in breeding programs when only small amounts of material are available and 2/ they can accurately identify plants that have desirable traits that are difficult to assay.
Research	The literature was reviewed in order to identify how to best apply molecular markers to the Australian rice industry. A search for molecular markers which are linked to fragrance, grain elongation on cooking and blast disease resistance was conducted.
Outcomes	A review of the literature identified a number of traits to which molecular markers could be applied in the Australian rice industry. The list included, fragrance, disease resistance (including bacterial blight, blast and sheath blight) grain extension on cooking, predisposition to chalkiness, seedling vigour and early establishment. Two new and different types of molecular markers linked to fragrance were identified and passed on to the rice breeders. Three molecular markers potentially linked to grain elongation on cooking were identified. Several rice lines containing important disease resistance genes were imported and on the basis of the DNA sequence of these lines of rice, an appropriate strategy for incorporation of blast disease resistance identified.
Implications	The report on the extensive literature review will remain a useful ready reference for some time. The new markers for fragrance can be immediately applied to the breeding program. The markers for grain elongation on cooking are still in the developmental stage and their utility needs to be verified. On the basis of the DNA sequence of the rice lines resistant to blast disease it will be possible, in the absence of the disease itself, to identify lines of rice in the breeding program that are resistant to blast disease.
Publications	Cordeiro GM, Christopher MJ, Henry RJ & Reinke RF. (2002). Identification of Microsatellite Markers for Fragrance in Rice by Analysis of the Rice Genome Sequence. Molecular Breeding 9: 245-246. Qingsheng Jin, Dan Waters , Giovanni M. Cordeiro, Robert J. Henry, and Russell F. Reinke. A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) linked to fragrance in rice (Oryza sativa). Plant Science. Submitted


 
 
 

Project Title	Improving bloodworm, snail and earthworm control in rice
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-184A
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
Internet:	www.agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	· The objective of this project has been to develop new pest management strategies for bloodworms, snails and aquatic earthworms that minimise the use of agrochemicals, thereby reducing costs to producers and lowering potential risks to the environment.
Background	Although there are comparatively few invertebrate rice pests present in NSW, several pest species can and do cause severe damage to aerially-sown crops during the establishment period. Bloodworms and aquatic snails feed on the roots of young seedlings, whilst aquatic earthworms damage the soil structure, increasing turbidity and causing algal blooms that slow or prevent plant growth.
Research	The project includes laboratory studies on pesticide toxicology and bloodworm oviposition site selection, and extensive field trials of bloodworm and snail control compounds that examine efficacy, crop safety, and environmental issues. Ecological studies on aquatic earthworms demonstrate that crop rotations can be used to effectively manage this pest.
Outcomes	Alphacypermethrin is effective against bloodworms under commercial conditions at a very low rate, and a registration application has been submitted by the manufacturer. Sufficient data is now available to support the registration of fipronil as a direct spray treatment for bloodworm control. Chlorothalonil has been fully assessed in the laboratory and field, and should now be trialed against snails on a commercial scale. Oviposition tests using adult bloodworm midges have shown that selective control with oviposition deterrents is a potentially viable method of control.
Implications	The outcomes of this project will lead to more effective management of rice pests using fewer and safer chemical inputs. Registration of alphacypermethrin will give growers a cheap alternative to chlorpyrifos that is effective at a lower application rate and provides an alternative mode of action for resistance management. The further development of chlorothalonil for snail control will provide an alternative to copper sulfate, which is not effective against snail eggs. Determining the impact of crop rotations has led to the development of a strategy for earthworm management that allows farmers to suppress earthworm populations without the use of chemicals.
Publication	Improving bloodworm, earthworm and snail control in rice, RIRDC Publication No. 03/083 (in press)


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Integrated management of Alismataceae weeds to reduce herbicide resistance
RIRDC Project No.:	UCS-26A
Researcher:	Dr Farzad Jahromi, Dr Gavin Ash, Dr Eric Cother
Organisation:	Charles Sturt University PO Box 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678
Phone:	(02) 6933 4208
Fax:	(02) 6933 2812
Email:	Fjahromi@csu.edu.au
Objectives	· Practical cost-effective integrated strategy that controls major Alismataceae weeds (starfruit, Alisma, water plantain and possibly arrowhead) and assists in avoiding herbicide resistance by reducing herbicide usage.
Background	This project is a rational synthesis of two existing projects terminating in September 1999; DAN-121A and UCS-7A on biological control of Alisma and starfruit respectively, using Rhynchosporium alismatis as a mycoherbicide. The project will provide a practical, environmentally sound and economical management option for the control of the above weeds in rice by minimising herbicide usage, extending the life span of chemical herbicide and minimising weed density and weed seed production with subsequent reduced pesticide residues and costs.
Research	Field efficacy of the fungal inoculation was determined in competition experiments. These were carried out in Wagga Wagga and Yanco. Granular and microgranular formulations and application.
Outcomes	Yanco field trial in 2001-2002 growing season indicated that fungal inoculation can reduce the weed biomass to 75% under field conditions using simply spore suspension in water. Trial in Wagga Wagga resulted in reduction of weed biomass, in addition it confirmed that rice biomass does not decline after inoculation despite the presence of the weed. The fungus can be formulated as dry granular. The water content of thegranulars has to be adjusted to maximise the survival.
Implications	This project has shown that the fungus is a successful biocontrol agent. It does not kill the weed however suppresses its growth to levels that may not disturb the rice plants. In addition, these results were obtained with a very rudimentary formulation. The improvement of formulation can further improve the efficacy of the fungal inoculation.
Publications	Gavin J. Ash, E.J. Cother, F.G. Jahromi, W. Pitt, V.M. Lanioselet and S. Cliquet. (2003 forthcoming). Status and future for biological control of aquatic weeds of rice in Australia. Proceedings of Australasia plant pathology conference. Gavin J. Ash, E.J. Cother, F.G. Jahromi, W. Pitt, V.M. Lanoiselet and S. Cliquet (2003 forthcoming). Developing Rhynchosporium alismatis for biological control of aquatic weeds of rice in Australia – past, present and future. A workshop in biological control, New Zealand.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Influence of species on efficiency of barnyard grass control
RIRDC Project No.:	UCS-28A
Researcher:	Jim Pratley, John Broster
Organisation:	Farrer Centre Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2678
Phone:	(02) 6933 2864
Fax:	(02) 6933 2868
Email:	jpratley@csu.edu.au
Objectives	· To determine the incidence and distribution of different species of barnyard grass in the rice growing areas. · To determine the efficacy of various herbicides across these species.
Background	A recent survey conducted by CSU showed barnyard grass to be present on more than 90% of NSW rice farms. This weed is also the most prevalent in rice delivered to the silos. It remains, therefore, a major impediment to rice productivity. In a benchmarking study for herbicide resistance (UCS-25A) it was discovered that at least four species of barnyard grass were among the samples collected. Further, the herbicide resistance testing service at CSU has received several barnyard grass samples for testing, none of which have been shown to be resistant. It does suggest, however, that control procedures have been inadequate and that variability exists between barnyard grass species in their response to herbicides.
Research	Samples of barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.) were collected from across the rice growing regions of southern New South Wales using two methods, a random field survey of the three major regions (MIA, CIA and MVID) and random samples from the Rice Growers Co-operative Mill laboratory at Leeton.  These samples were tested against four herbicides used for barnyard grass control; thiobencarb (Saturn®), propanil (Ronacil®), clomazone (Command® or Magister®) and molinate (Ordram®).
Outcomes	Five species of barnyard grass were collected during the survey. Three of these had been collected during a previous survey (UCS-25A) while two had not. A sixth species, which was recorded during the first survey, was not detected in this survey. In a number of the samples two different species were present. This may impact on the control of this weed as the species can have different germination and early growth patterns resulting in the two species being at different growth stages during herbicide application. All accessions were well controlled by all tested herbicides at the recommended rate. The speed of germination and early growth had a major impact on the level of control achieved when treated with the herbicides at rates below the recommended rate.
Implications	The differing germination regimes of the five species of Echinochloa detected in this survey may have implications for effective herbicide use. Where fields contain mixed populations of these species difficulties may arise in the timing of herbicide application.


 
 
 

Project Title	Irrigation scheduling and soil water distribution of drip irrigated rice
RIRDC Project No.:	CSL-21A
Researcher:	Dr Evan Christen (supervisor) Stuart Lovejoy (summer student)
Organisation:	CSIRO Land and Water University of Melbourne PMB No 3 GRIFFITH NSW 2680
Phone:	(02) 6960 1586
Fax:	(02) 6960 1600
Email:	Evan.christen@csiro.au
Internet:	http://www.clw.csiro.au/staff/EChristen/
Objectives	· Assess the soil moisture distribution from a subsurface drip (SSD) irrigation system with rice on beds. · Determine if SSD can meet the water requirements of a high yielding rice crop.
Background	The aim of this project was to investigate drip irrigation of rice as part of the RIRDC/ACIAR/GRDC project ‘Permanent beds for sustainable cropping systems on rice farms’. The overall aim of the project is to test the viability of growing rice on beds with both drip and furrow irrigation and to compare this to yield, cost and water savings of growing rice on the flat.
Research	An array of tensiometers across the bed at different depths were installed. These were monitored before and after each irrigation. Several G-bug soil moisture sensors were also installed to provide continuous data. The water applied was compared against the calculated evapotranspiration of the crop.
Outcomes	The edges of the beds were found to dry out considerably, whilst the center of the bed was saturated. As areas of soil dried out it became very difficult to rewet them, because as a soil dries its’ hydraulic conductivity reduces. Overall the subsurface drip was able to supply adequate water to meet crop water requirements but redistribution of the water to the edges of the bed was limiting.
Implications	Drip irrigated rice crops must be irrigated at very high frequency (~daily) in order that soils remain transmissive and water can be redistributed away from the emitter effectively.
Publications	Lovejoy, S. (2003) Subsurface drip irrigation for rice on beds. Summer student report. CSIRO Land and water, Griffith, NSW, 2680.


 
 
 
 

Project Title	Determination of rice soil hydraulic properties by Guelph and disc permeametry
RIRDC Project No.:	CSL-8A
Researcher:	Julie Smith (summer student c/- Dr Liz Humphreys)
Organisation:	CSIRO Land and Water PMB 3 GRIFFITH NSW 2680
Phone:	(02) 6960 1500
Fax:	(02) 6960 1600
Email:	liz.humphreys@csiro.au
Objectives	· To determine the saturated and unsaturated hydraulic condivity of the major soil layers at the CSIRO/Rice CRC rice-wheat experimental site, in a stubble retained area ("high" soil water content), and in an area sown to wheat ("low" soil water content)
Background	It is possible that sowing a winter crop immediately after rice harvest may be beneficial for watertable control, in comparison with leaving the land fallow. Therefore the impact of wheat sown after rice on fluxes to and from the watertable is being investigated in field experiments by CSIRO Land and Water with the CRC for Sustainable Rice Production. Some methods for calculating these fluxes require knowledge of the hydraulic conductivity of the soil.
Research	This project used disc and well permeametry to determine the unsaturated and saturated hydraulic conductivity of the major layers in the soil profile, in sites that had been planted to wheat or left fallow. Soil water content in the upper subsoil of the wheat treatment was significantly lower than in the stubble treatment was significantly lower than in the stubble treatment at the time the determinations were made.
Outcomes	Unsaturated conductivity at – 10 mm water potential (excludes macropores larger than about 3 mm diameter from the flow process) was generally around 10 mm/h in all layers below the soil surface. At –40 mm water potential unsaturated conductivity was roughly halved to around 5 mm/h in the subsoil. Saturated conductivity was an order of magnitude lower at around 1-2 mm/h. This is consistent with a shrinking/swelling soil where the soil swells when it is wet, closing the cracks in the process.
Implications	The results will be used with estimates of hydraulic conductivity using other methods of determination and with soil water potential data to calculate and compare fluxes to and from the watertable in the stubble and planted treatments.
Publications	Smith (1999) Determination of rice soil hydraulic properties by Guelph and disc permeametry. CSIRO Land and Water Summer Student Report.