Specialty Rice Breeding Program

Pioneering research in genetics and breeding of specialty and healthful rice

Advanced science for improved rice quality and nutrition

The Texas A&M AgriLife Research Specialty Rice Breeding Program at Beaumont focuses on developing high-yielding, premium-quality, stress-tolerant rice cultivars that contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and cater to a growing global demand.

Our Specialty Rice Breeding (SRB) Program researches and develops high-amylose rice, jasmine-type, basmati-type, and high anthocyanin rice types by integrating conventional, ideal plant type breeding, and genomic approaches. Genetic and phenotypic selection criteria are also being developed for improved grain yield, quality, and stress resistance.

Faculty and staff

Stanley Omar PB. Samonte, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Specialty Rice Breeding

Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences

Genetic, breeding, and physiological studies of the specialty rice breeding team

Darlene L. Sanchez, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist

Conventional and genomic approaches to breeding Jasmine-type rice varieties
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on yield-related and grain-quality traits in rice
Marker-assisted cultivar improvement
Taste testing for cooking quality and aroma

Kimberly S. Ponce, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist

Integration of population improvement and genomics to develop low glycemic index rice cultivars with superior quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses
Genetic mapping for abiotic stress tolerance and grain quality traits
Genetic and phenotypic screening for premium grain quality, improved yield-related traits, and high-yielding plant type
Evaluation of cooking and eating quality