|| Home || SEARCH|| Contact || Free Research Publications  ||  Eshop || Privacy Statement ||

RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2004

BACK TO INDEX

To Rice Research in Progress
 

3.4 Rice - Completed Projects
Project No	Project Title	Researcher	Phone	Organisation
Varietal improvement & pure seeds maintenance
DAN-167A	Rice improvement	Dr Russell Reinke	(02) 6951 2516	NSW Department of Agriculture
RRA-3A	Alternative methods and cultural practices for establishing seed and nutritional plots	Mr Russell Ford	(03) 5886 1391	Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd
UQ-99A	Increasing cold tolerance in rice by selecting for high polyamine and gibberellic acid content	Dr. Naidu Bodapati	(07) 3896 9639	The University of Queensland
Agronomy/crop physiology
DAN-107A	Increasing the yield potential in the NSW rice industry	Mr Robert L Williams	(02) 6951 2679	NSW Department of Agriculture
Crop nutrition
DAN-185A	NIR for improved fertilizer predictions II	Mr John Oliver	(02) 6938 1816	NSW Department of Agriculture
DAN-200A	Improving quality through physiology - partitioning and transport of nitrogen and sulphur in rice	Dr Huub Kerckhoffs	(02) 6951 2736	NSW Department of Agriculture
Sustainable farming systems
UCA-6A	Sustainable management of on-farm biodiversity in the rice growing industry: vertebrate wildlife resources	Mr Sean Doody	(02) 6201 2796	University of Canberra
Harvesting, storage, handling and transport
CSE-88A	New aeration controller for flat bed storage	Mr James Darby	(02) 6246 4197	CSIRO Entomology
Milling and processing
BRE-3A	Production of novel rice flour fractions	Dr Michael Southan	(02) 9888 9600	BRI Australia Ltd
UJC-8A	Development of improved molecular detection methods for Bacillus cereus toxins	Dr Graham Burgess	(07) 4781 5472	James Cook University

Varietal Improvement & Pure Seeds Maintenance
 

Project Title:	Rice improvement
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-167A
Researcher:	Dr 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.
Background	This is a long-term project which has successfully developed a series of improved cultivars for the NSW Rice Industry. More than 95% of the NSW rice area is sown with cultivars developed from the breeding program. Continued efforts are required to improve the competitiveness of the industry by increasing yield per unit area, water-use efficiency, per day productivity (through shorter duration lines), improving general grain quality (reduced chalk and stress cracks) and specific grain quality for niche markets.
Research	The breeding program is based on a modified pedigree breeding system, with backcrossing and rapid generation advance used as required. The program also uses appropriate new biotechnology tools such as microsatellite markers for grain texture and for incorporating disease resistance genes, and advanced statistical procedures.
Outcomes	The major outcomes were the development of three rice cultivars with improved yield and quality, in response to industry needs and environmental imperatives. Other outcomes 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. continued maintenance of pure seed of new and potential varieties.
Implications	Significant economic and environmental benefits accrue from the production of new varieties. The average benefit of Opus is around $4M per annum, while the variety Quest reduces water use by 1 ML/ha over the current variety Amaroo while maintaining yield.
Publications	Snell P, Reinke R, Braysher B and Fitzgerald, M (2002) Selecting for grain quality in a rice breeding program – Coming to terms with a two-phased environment. In ‘Plant Breeding tor the 11th Millennium. Proceedings of the 12th Australasian Plant Breeding Conference’. Perth, WA. (Ed. JA McCombe) p 97 Reinke, RF. (2001) Factors influencing rice seedling vigor under different temperature treatments. Peng, S and Hardy, B. Rice Research for Food Security and Poverty Alleviation. Proceedings of the International Rice Conference; Los Banos, Philippines. Los Banos, Philippines: International Rice Research Institute; 301-308.  Reinke, RF; Richards, RA; Angus, JF, and Lewin, LG. (2002) Early vigor: an important foundation for rapid biomass accumulation. Hill, JE and Hardy, B. Proceedings of the 2nd Temperate Rice Conference; Sacramento, California. Los Banos, Philippines: International Rice Research Institute; 2002: 429-438


 

Project Title:	Alternative methods and cultural practices for establishing seed and nutritional plots
RIRDC Project No.:	RRA-3A
Researcher:	Mr Russell Ford
Organisation:	Rice Research Australia Pty Ltd "Old Coree" RMB 72 JERILDERIE NSW 2716
Phone:	(03) 5886 1391
Fax:	(03) 5886 1695
Email:	rrapl@bigpond.com.au
Objectives	To develop a plot seeder which provides precision seed and fertiliser placement for improved rice crop establishment. It is envisaged to trial both sod seeding (direct drill) and combine seeding techniques with many new sowing attachments that are available today.
Background	The early development of new rice varieties requires the need to multiply and maintain purity of many different seed lines. Currently, early generation seed multiplication goes through a phase of multiplication that relies on hand seeding plots into flooded rice bays. This sometimes leads to floating seed, attacks by ducks, and other problems with segregation. A new system for early multiplication of all rice seed is needed.
Research	The plan is to develop a machine using modern technologies of seed distribution and placement. To this machine we will adapt the latest cone distribution equipment and trial various seed placement techniques, through varied seeding apparatus, to compare rice establishment. Rice seed multiplication will be a secondary objective of this project.
Outcomes	After the completion of five trials using seventeen different types of seeding apparatus on varying soil types, the following results were observed: A multiplication rate of 700 times was achievable using precision seeding equipment at low seeding rates (25kg/hectare). This is 10 times the current multiplication rate. Improved quality assurance standards are possible through segregation and isolation of seed plots during early stage multiplication. By use of alternative seeding cultures in rice, improved rotations for Integrated Weed Management Systems can be practised by all rice growers. Industry interest in the project is high with many requests for information on seeding systems.
Implications	The development of new and stable rice varieties can be improved by introducing this seed establishment and multiplication system. Along with new breeding technologies, this system will allow faster response times to market demands. Improved rice seed establishment can have a direct relationship with improved gross margin returns.
Publications	Ford R.L., (2003) Alternative methods for establishing rice seed plots. Major Rice Field Day. "Old Coree" (McCaughey Memorial Institute) Jerilderie, NSW, Australia. 28th February, 2003 (Poster) Ford R.L., (2003) Evaluating seeding implements for research plots.(IREC Newsletter)


 

Project Title:	Increasing cold tolerance in rice by selecting for high polyamine and gibberellic acid content
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-99A
Researcher:	Dr Naidu Bodapati
Organisation:	The University of Queensland Block-A, 80 Meiers Rd INDOOROOPILLY QLD 4068
Phone:	(07) 3896 9639
Fax:	(07) 3896 9623
Email:	naidu.bodapati@nrm.qld.gov.au
Objectives	To investigate if higher natural polyamine and/or gibberellic acid (GA)-accumulating ability of rice cultivars will result in higher cold tolerance. To determine if the cultivars with higher cold tolerance at the establishment stage will also have higher cold tolerance at reproductive stage.
Background	In a previous RIRDC funded project (CST-2A), we found that seed treatment with spermine increased seedling vigour of rice at low temperature. In a second RIRDC project (UQ-91A) we found that seed treatment with GA also increased seedling vigour, and foliar application of osmoprotectants (spermine, and glycinebetaine) offered significant cold tolerance by reducing sterility in Amaroo and Doongara at reproductive stage. These results suggested that osmoprotectants and GA are associated with cold tolerance in rice; however, genotypic differences are not known for this association.
Research	We exposed 32 diverse rice cultivars and 30 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) between Millin and HSC 55 to cold (18/13 °C) and normal temperature (28/23 °C) treatments in controlled glasshouses during seed germination/seedling establishment and reproductive stages. Spikelet sterility, the accumulation of spermine and GA, and engorged pollen grain numbers were determined.
Outcomes	Biomass production under cold conditions could be considered as a measure of cold stress tolerance at seedling stage. Cold tolerance in 32 cultivars and RILs is similar at seedling and at reproductive stages (r=0.56). Cultivars that accumulated greater amount of spermine in the seedlings produced greater amount of biomass (r=0.663). Higher spermine accumulation in leaves of these cultivars also resulted in increased reproductive cold stress tolerance (r=0.909). Higher GA content in the seedlings resulted in greater (r=0.702) seedling cold tolerance (biomass production). However, GA content in the leaves at reproductive stage was not correlated with spikelet sterility, suggesting GA plays no significant role in the cold tolerance at this stage.
Implications	As the cold tolerance at seedling, and at reproductive stages shows a significant similarity, selection for cold tolerance could be done at seedling stage itself, which is easier. The measurement of spermine and or GA will serve as selection tools in breeding for cold tolerance. Molecular markers could be developed for spermine and GA production for use in plant breeding.
Publications	Chen D, Naidu BP, Gunawardena TA, Fukai, S and Basnayake, J. (2004). Seed treatment with gibberellic acid and glycinebetaine improves seedling emergence and seedling vigour of rice under low temperature. Seed Science and Technology. Accepted. Naidu BP, Gunawardena TA, and Fukai S. (2004). Increasing cold tolerance in rice. Farmers’s News Letter, Irrigation Research & Extension Committee of CSIRO Griffith, NSW. No. 165, Pp. 66-67 Naidu BP, Williams R, and Fukai S. (2002). Increasing Cold Tolerance in Rice by Osmoprotectants and Gibberellic Acid. Farmers’s News Letter, Irrigation Research & Extension Committee of CSIRO Griffith, NSW. No. 159, Pp. 20-22.


 

Agronomy/Crop Physiology
 

Project Title:	Increasing the yield potential in the NSW rice industry
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-107A
Researcher:	Mr Robert L Williams
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB YANCO NSW 2703
Phone:	(02) 6951 2679
Fax:	(02) 6955 7580
Email:	Robert.Williams@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	To increase the efficiency of the NSW Rice breeding program by the provision of genetic information on three key physiological parameters (viz harvest index, radiation interception and radiation use efficiency) identified from crop physiological research.
Background	Much of the yield gain in the NSW rice industry over the last 20 years has been based on capitalising on the semi-dwarf gene (sdl) that increases rice yield potential. Now that most of the major grain quality rice types incorporate sdl, new ways of the increasing rice yield potential are required. This continued genetic yield improvement is required to ensure the long term sustainability of the NSW rice industry. To add new genetic resources to the rice breeding program, a population of the 105 lines was introduced as part of the International Rice Cold Tolerance Nursery (IRCTN) in 1994. This project aimed at evaluating those genotypes for physiological traits that would be useful in increasing yield potential in NSW rice varieties.
Research	The 105 lines were grown in the first year of this project (1995) at the Yanco Agricultural Institute (YAI) in unreplicated trails, sampled and assessed at 3 times. The times of the sampling were 6 weeks after establishment, at flowering of each cultivar and at physiological maturity. From these observations, 35 lines were selected on the basis of having perceived physiological advantages and grown in trials at Deniliquin and YAI in the following season. These trials allowed 7 elite lines to be identified that were superior to the Australian standard lines in terms of the early growth, radiation use efficiency and harvest index. In the third year (1997), elite lines for harvest index (HI), radiation use efficiency (RUE) and early growth were grown in separate trials at YAI with the aim of determining characters correlated with high levels of RUE and HI. No correlation existed between RUE and carbon isotope discrimination in this trial. Also harvest index and starch reserves at flowering were not correlated. An interesting observation was that early maturing rice crops had less roots which may have implications for future evaluation of RUE in diverse rice genotypes.
Outcomes	This project identified a set of 9 recently introduced lines that could be used to increase the yield potential of the NSW rice industry. These lines have been selected based on the physiological principles from a population of 105 recently introduced lines. The observation that root weight is highly linked to the phenological development of the crop opens a series of new research paths that need to be explored. These include what are the root requirements for high yield?, is there a relationship between root weight and above ground weight?, and can the root : shoot ratios of a rice crop be optimised to increase rice yield potential?
Implications	This work implies that 9 new lines should be considered in future rice breeding programs and attention should be given to root weight as a potentially important selection parameter.


 

Crop Nutrition
 

Project Title:	NIR for improved fertilizer predictions II
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-185A
Researcher:	Mr John Oliver
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute PMB WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650
Phone:	(02) 6938 1816
Fax:	(02) 6938 1809
Email:	john.oliver@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	To implement a growth stage calibration ; to increase the through-put of samples; to further automate data handling and to determine the Mg : K ratios in plant tissue.
Background	Rice crops accumulate about 166 kg N/ha, of which about 100 kg N/ha is exported from the farm in grain. To ensure high yields farmers apply an average of 124 kg N/ha - the majority just prior to permanent flooding in October and the remainder immediately after panicle initiation (PI) which occurs in January. To improve the understanding of the nitrogen requirements of crops at PI, tissue testing of commercial rice crops is now an integral part of crop management annually for more than 40% of rice producers. Since the Tissue Test has been operating almost all (over 2500) farms have had crops analysed.
Research	A calibration for growth stage was developed and trialled, and a calibration for the Mg:K ratio established as a possible benchmark for segregating crops for niche markets.
Outcomes	The SunRice Tissue Testis an efficient and cost effective service to rice growers, providing them with a rapid analysis of crop nutrient status and a fertiliser recommendation based on the analysis. Industry interest in the project is high with over 40% of growers using the test in any one year. Two contract research projects are current and direct developments from this project.
Implications	The provision of the SunRice NIR Tissue test is an aid to management efficiency within the industry and guards against the unnecessary use of fertilisers. It has led to reduced costs, an increase in the information available to growers, agronomists and researchers, and an increase in yield.


 

Project Title:	Improving quality through physiology - partitioning and transport of nitrogen and sulphur in rice
RIRDC Project No.:	DAN-200A
Researcher:	Dr Huub Kerckhoffs
Organisation:	NSW Department of Agriculture Yanco Agricultural Institute PMB YANCO NSW 2703
Phone:	(02) 6951 2736
Fax:	(02) 6951 2719
Email:	huub.kerckhoffs@agric.nsw.gov.au
Objectives	To determine whether growing temperature affect the capacity of the plant to develop pools of nitrogen and sulphur for redistribution to developing grains. To provide an initial understanding of processes operating in the rice plant that influence the capacity of the plant to supply nitrogen and sulphur to the developing grain. This will give direction for appropriate future research that will progress the understanding to the point which could identify strategies for managing nutrients during plant growth.
	Report not received as change in project staff has delayed production of the final report.


 
 

Project Title	Sustainable management of on-farm biodiversity in the rice growing industry: vertebrate wildlife resources
RIRDC Project No.:	UCA-6A
Start Date:	01/10/2000
Finish Date:	30/09/2003
Researcher:	Mr Sean Doody
Organisation:	University of Canberra Applied Ecology Research Group BELCONNEN ACT 2601
Phone:	(02) 6201 2796
Fax:	(02) 6201 5305
Email:	doody@aerg.canberra.edu
Objectives	Conduct a baseline survey of vertebrate wildlife on rice farms in the Riverina Determine or hypothesize on what factors underpin that on-farm biodiversity (e.g., vegetation remnants, farm dams) Integrate our findings into on-the-ground management practices, allowing farmers to make informed decisions to maintain or enhance biodiversity
Background	The scientific community has informed the agricultural community that biodiversity is an important component of sustainable agriculture. Rice farming has impacted the environment and biodiversity in the Riverina Bioregion. However, irrigated, productive rice bays have in most cases replaced cleared pastoral lands, and offer habitat for considerable biodiversity. Although we have a fair understanding of what biodiversity exists within the Riverina, no study has quantified what wildlife exists on farms.
Research	We conducted a three-part study for three years, including an extensive survey of vertebrate wildlife on 10 rice farms, and two intensive studies, one determining what attributes of on-farm vegetation remnants are preferred by birds, and another determining how turtles utilise rice farms. We used a variety of sampling techniques in the extensive survey (2000-2003), including pit-fall trapping, visual encounter surveys, bird counts, small mammal trapping, spotlighting, and specialised surveys for turtles and bats. The birds and remnants study utilised bird counts during spring and summer 2002-2003, and the turtle study involved radio-tracking and stomach flushing during 2001-2002.
Outcomes	Riverina rice farms harbour considerable vertebrate biodiversity, including several threatened species Two major factors underpinning on-farm biodiversity were (1) the presence of on-farm remnant vegetation patches; and (2) productive rice bays The best strategy for maintaining or enhancing on-farm biodiversity on rice farms would include (1) revegetation; and (2) improving existing vegetation  Our findings are now being incorporated into a vehicle for environmental management on farms (Environmental Champions Program) A new RIRDC-funded project (RIC04-10) is being negotiated that would put the findings of the present study to use in monitoring and management on rice farms
Implications	Surveys of biodiversity in the region have demonstrated considerable wildlife assemblages – the present study extends this finding to rice farms Although water extraction for irrigation has impacted river health, once this water is on-farm it is an important resource for vertebrate and invertebrate biodiversity This project has demonstrated that on-farm (and thus, regional) biodiversity in the rice-growing district is considerable, contains species in need of management like most other ecosystems, and therefore should be of interest to all stakeholders, including the rice industry, government, ecologists, and the general community


 
 

Publications

Doody, J. S., and W. S. Osborne. (In prep.). Managing vertebrate biodiversity on Australian rice farms. In prep. for Australian Zoologist. Rennie, B., J. S. Doody, W. S. Osborne, and A. Georges. (In prep.). Habitat use, movement patterns, and diet on rice farms: ecology of long-necked turtles in a new ecosystem. In prep. for Austral Ecology Doody, J. S. and W. S. Osborne. 2003. Strategies for biodiversity conservation in the Australian Rice-growing Industry. Third International Temperate Rice Conference. Punta del Este, Uruguay. (Oral presentation).  Doody, J. S., B. Rennie, W. S. Osborne, and A. Georges. 2003. Ecology of long-necked turtles (Chelodina longicollis) in a new ecosystem. 2003 Joint Meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, and Herpetologists’ League. Manaus, Brazil. (Poster and Abstract). Bourne, D. J. 2003. The influence of remnant vegetation patch attributes and landscape context on bird species richness and abundance in an agricultural matrix landscape – the Riverina, New South Wales. Honours Thesis. University of Canberra. Doody, J.S., W. Osborne, and D. Bourne. 2004. Reconciling farming with Wildlife:vertebrate biodiversity in the rice-growing Riverina. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter Rice R&D Special. (In press). Doody, J.S. and W. Osborne. 2003. Animal ways in rice bays: a year spent with vertebrates on rice farms. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter Rice R&D Special 162:55-57 Doody, J.S. 2002. Backbones in flooded zones: on-farm biodiversity in the rice-growing Riverina. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter Rice R&D Special 159:57-58 Rennie, B. A. 2002. Habitat use and movement patterns of the eastern long-necked turtle in rice agroecosystems of New South Wales. Honours Thesis. University of Canberra.


 

Harvesting, Storage, Handling & Transport
 

Project Title:	New aeration controller for flat bed storage
RIRDC Project No.:	CSE-88A
Researcher:	Mr James Darby
Organisation:	CSIRO Entomology Stored Grain Research Laboratory GPO Box 1700 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Phone:	(02) 6246 4197
Fax:	(02) 6246 4202
Email:	James.Darby@csiro.au
Objectives	Development of the new adaptive discounting aeration control (ADC) method for the burner assisted paddy rice drying facilities at Ricegrowers' Co-operative Ltd (RCL) to improve the milling quality of the dried rice, increase aeration efficiency, enable chemical free insect control, and provide a user friendly operating interface.
Background	Sunrice dry up to 1.4 million tonnes of paddy rice using premium facilities designed to provide high milling quality rice under all seasonal conditions in a cost effective manner. The current aeration drying control system frequently out-turns over dried breakage susceptible paddy; requires significant operator skill and timeliness to be efficient; and does not invoke insect control strategies. This R&D trial will implement a new control method that addresses all of these aeration drying and cooling issues.
Research	The project objective is to further develop the ADC aeration control method to include: burner assisted drying; rice breakage constraints; insect control with cooling as well as extending all the technology to Sunrice. The scientific methodology will concurrently carry out software development within a PC test environment while actual performance shall be trialled within Sunrice facilities over 3 seasons.
Outcomes	The overall project deliverable is an ADC aeration control method "package" tailored for Sunrice Australia Limited consisting of fully developed and validated software, documentation, proving trials and first hand experience.
Implications	The benefits identified during the trials at a single facility, shed 4 Gogeldrie NSW (referred to above), will be achieved by Sunrice across the industry as the ADC method is transferred to other aeration facilities. Approximately 60% of the industry is currently equipped with the proprietary "citect" control software for ready implementation of ADC (as of 2004). Citect is steadily being implemented in other Sunrice aeration facilities whereupon ADC can be extended further.
Publications	Darby J.A. (2001). Adaptive Discounting aeration control trial at Ricegrowers Co-operative Limited, 2001. Aeration-drying of Amaroo paddy rice at bin 5, shed 4, Gogeldrie, NSW, 2001. CSIRO (Aust.) Division of Entomology Contracted Research Report No. 65, 56pp, August 2001. Darby J.A. and Troman S.C. (In press). Adaptive Discounting aeration control trial at Sunrice Australia Limited, 2002. Aeration-drying of Amaroo paddy rice at shed 4, Gogeldrie, NSW, 2002. CSIRO (Aust.) Division of Entomology Contracted Research Report. Darby J.A. and Troman S.C. (In press). Adaptive Discounting aeration control trial at Ricegrowers Co-operative Limited, 2003. Aeration-drying of Amaroo paddy rice at shed 4, Gogeldrie, NSW, 2003. CSIRO (Aust.) Division of Entomology Contracted Research Report. Troman S.C. and Darby J.A. (In press). Adaptive Discounting aeration control trial at Ricegrowers Co-operative Limited, 2004. Aeration-drying of Amaroo paddy rice at shed 4, Gogeldrie, NSW, 2004. CSIRO (Aust.) Division of Entomology Contracted Research Report.  Darby J.A. (2003). Adaptive discounting control: a new aeration control method. In Advances in Stored Product Protection: Proceedings of the 8th International Working Conference on Stored Product Protection, York, England, 2002. Credland, P.F., Armitage, D.M., Bell, C.H., Cogan, P.M. and Highley, E. [Eds.]. CAB International, Wallingford, Oxon, UK. 956-961.


 

Milling & Processing
 

Project Title:	Production of novel rice flour fractions
RIRDC Project No.:	BRE-3A
Researcher:	Dr Michael Southan
Organisation:	BRI Australia Ltd PO Box 7 NORTH RYDE NSW 1670
Phone:	(02) 9888 9600
Fax:	(02) 9888 5821
Email:	m.southan@bri.com.au
Objectives	The production of new types of rice flour for trialling in current rice flour food products and the development of new rice flour based products.
Background	Commercial rice flour produced in Australia is marketed by particle size distribution and physical grain type (medium or long grain). Large variations in flour performance might exist if the variety mix in the long grain and medium grain classes significantly changes. The functional properties of single variety rice flours have not previously been investigated. Substantial new market opportunities for the rice industry could be developed by understanding the performance of individual rice variety flours and marketing rice flour more specifically for existing and new food products.
Research	The Pilot Mill at BRI Australia was set up to mill rice to flour that is finer than currently produced. Four varieties of rice were milled to flour: Amaroo (medium grain type), Doongara (high amylose type), Illabong (Arborio type) and Langi (long grain type). Samples from two separate seasons were milled. Full analyses of the flour fractions collected under the grinding rolls, cyclones and sifter included yield, particle size distribution, protein content, starch damage, oil content, moisture content and starch properties. These results were used to identify a new unique rice flour product that could be produced by SunRice.
Outcomes	The variety Doongara was found to be best suited to the production of very fine rice flour using dry milling. Doongara yielded at least 25% more fine flour than any other variety. The break roll flours of Doongara were high in oil content but this did not affect the total flour yield. For all varieties, flour produced on the break rolls was generally lower in viscosity and amylose content than flour produced by the reduction rolls. This indicates rice can be fractionated to produce flour with different cooking properties to suit new food applications.
Implications	Segregation of specific rice varieties will enable new rice flours with very different food properties to be produced. These flours can be produced commercially by SunRice with only minor modifications to the existing flour mill and will increase market opportunities in the higher value rice flour market.
Publications	Southan M. 2004. New Rice Flour Products – Potential Added Value of $30 Million to Industry. IREC Farmers’ Newsletter Rice R&D edition no. 165, summer 2004


 

Project Title:	Development of improved molecular detection methods for Bacillus cereus toxins
RIRDC Project No.:	UJC-8A
Researcher:	Dr Graham Burgess
Organisation:	James Cook University Department of Microbiology and Immunology TOWNSVILLE QLD 4811
Phone:	(07) 4781 5472
Fax:	(07) 4781 6833
Email:	graham.burgess@jcu.edu.au
Objectives	To determine the prevalence of Bacillus cereus in food and other environmental sources. To develop improved toxin detection methods for toxigenic strains of Bacillus cereus. To make the developed toxin assays available to the rice industry and to relevant Australian health and food laboratories.
Background	Bacillus cereus is a heat resistant bacterium that is capable of surviving the cooking process. It is a common soil born contaminant of food products. This organism is capable of prolific growth in cooked foods and it is capable of producing a variety of toxins that results in food poisoning. Diarrhoea and vomiting are common signs of this condition. Methods for detecting toxin production have been relatively limited and the emetic toxin that is most commonly found in rice-based foods has been particularly elusive.
Research	Commercial kits for the demonstration of some of the toxins were evaluated. Published techniques for the detection of genes responsible for a variety of toxins were optimised and implemented. A method for detecting the emetic toxin that is capable of producing vomiting was developed and this was shown to be more sensitive than any method published to date. The genes responsible for the elusive emetic toxin were identified. A simple, sensitive and specific technique was developed for detecting strains of the organism carrying the genes required for the production of the emetic toxin were developed and standardised.
Outcomes	This project has shown that most of the isolates of Bacillus cereus isolated from food in Australia are capable of producing at least one of the important toxins that induce food poisoning with diarrhoea. A technique for the detection of the emetic toxin can be used to determine whether organisms isolated from food is capable of producing the emetic toxin. The identification of the genes responsible for the production of this toxin has allowed the diagnostic tests to be developed and will pave the way for new research into the production of this toxin.
Implications	Producers of rice based foods will be in a better position to carry out quality assurance of their products. Health departments and regulatory authorities will be able to make more rational decisions on contamination of foods and control of outbreaks of food poisoning.
Publications	Horwood, P.F., Burgess, G.W. and Oakey, H.J. 2003. Evidence for non-ribosomal peptide synthetase production of cereulide (the emetic toxin) in Bacillus cereus. Submitted to: Applied and Environmental Microbiology (Sept 2003).






Last updated: September 2004
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/comp04/rice1.html