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Plant growth regulators (PGRs), which are defined as commercially available compounds with plant hormonal activities, are being used to improve the consistency of ratoon stand establishment of Texas rice. Lee Tarpley, in cooperation with Fred Turner and Mike Jund, is proposing the use of Gibberellin (Gibb) applied as the equivalent of 2 to 4 ounces Release® per acre at 3 to 7 days after peak flowering of the main crop. Two years of small-plot results have shown an increase of 400-500 lbs/A in Cocodrie ratoon yield without effect on main-crop yield or grain quality. The increase in ratoon yield is probably due to enhanced ratoon tiller earliness. During this season we are examining the efficacy of the Gibb treatment on other varieties (Cocodrie, Cheniere, CL-161, Jefferson, Saber, and Sierra) that have ratooning potential and are likely to benefit from this treatment. Several producers are testing the treatment with large field applications, often in combination with a stink-bug treatment. We are also continuing research with PGRs called cytokinins (such as benzyl adenine), that have the potential to increase ratoon tiller number, and might work well in combination with Gibb. In addition, we are examining environmental factors that can affect ratoon tiller initiation and growth through specific physiological mechanisms. These include: a) light quality, which can be impacted by shading from the plants and by organic matter in the water; and b) water quality, which can be diminished by accumulation of decaying plant material, such as fallen leaves. The 2003 small-plot sites are in Beaumont and Eagle Lake. Mr. Tesfamichael (Tesfa) Kebrom, a TAMU Ph.D. student, is focusing on this project. This study is sponsored by the Texas Rice Research Foundation. |