The latest information for rice growers and agronomists is now available, with the release of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Rice variety guides.
Brian Dunn, NSW DPI Research Agronomist said the guide is full of practical information, crucial for rice growers across southern NSW.
“The Rice variety guides provide information to help growers and agronomists decide which variety to grow,” Mr Dunn said.
“Each field and individual growing situation has specific characteristics that suit some varieties more than others, so rice growers need to consider all agronomic characteristics of each variety.
“Variety characteristics including grain yield, maturity, cold tolerance, establishment vigour and lodging tolerance are presented for each variety allowing growers to determine the variety best suited to their situation.
“The publication compares all current varieties and then each variety has its own growing guide which provides extra details specific to that variety to assist growers with these decisions.
Mr Dunn said the guide uses results from new rice varieties tested in a range of experiments conducted in growers’ commercial crops over several seasons and locations before release.
“Sowing dates have been updated to better reflect the maturities of the current varieties and the differences between sowing methods; drill sown crops need to be sown earlier than aerial or dry broadcast sowing methods,” Mr Dunn said.
“Recommendations are included for all sowing methods, including providing growers with the essential information required to drill sow and use delayed permanent water which are more water efficient growing practices.
“All current varieties are suitable for drill sowing and delayed permanent water which is important with growers looking at dry outlooks.
“With forecast dry conditions ahead, maximising water productivity by growing the best variety using the appropriate sowing method is crucial to the future of rice growing.”
The research used in the production of this publication is a joint investment from AgriFutures and NSW DPI.
The Rice variety guides is available in hard copy at agronomy suppliers, and is also available to download on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre-crops/summer-crops/rice-variety-guides/rice-variety-guides
