Results for all trials can be found in the following report:

2008 Agronomy Progress Report   

Every year variety trials are established throughout California’s rice producing areas. These trials are evaluated by Rice Experiment Station (RES) breeders to determine production potential and adaptability of new materials for local conditions, as well as the response of commercial varieties to local weather, soil and agronomic practices.

These trials are conducted under grower conditions and varieties are grouped by maturity. Maturity groups are classified according to the number of days from planting to 50% heading for a variety grown at the RES (Biggs), and they are very early (<90 days to 50% heading), early (90-97 days to 50% heading) and intermediate/late (>97 days to 50% heading).

During 2008, rice varieties were grown in plots 200 sq ft within commercial fields and managed by cooperating growers in the same manner as the rest of the field. Plots were harvested using a research plot combine, and yields then converted to lbs/acre at 14% moisture. Tables 1, 2 and 3 show grain yields, seedling vigor and days to 50% heading for varieties grown in Colusa, Glenn and Yolo Counties.

Remember that the trials are conducted in small areas; therefore, yields are a relative indication on how a variety will perform under commercial conditions.

Table 1. Early rice variety test, Colusa County, 2008.

Table 2. Intermediate/late rice variety test, Glenn County, 2008.

 Table 3. Very early rice variety test, Yolo County, 2008.

 S=short, M=medium, L=long, PQ=premium quality, R=newrex

Results for all trials can be found in the following report:

2008 Agronomy Progress Report