The USDA ARS research program at this location has been closed and all resources and activities have been consolidated with the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center in Stuttgart, AR.  You may call directly at 870-672-9300.        

Rice Breeding and Pathology

Rice Quality

Genetic Characterization of Rice Traits and Mapping Populations

Development of Molecular Markers for Cultivar Improvement

MISSION STATEMENT

The Rice Research Unit is national in scope and serves the entire U.S. rice industry. The mission of the Rice Research Unit is to:

• Utilize all available and appropriate technologies to develop broadly useful rice germplasm

• Develop superior quality, short-season rice varieties with high yield, disease and pest resistances, and desirable agronomic traits for the Southern U.S.

• Conduct basic investigations of breeding methodology, grain quality characteristics, host parasite disease reactions, and mechanisms of virulence of pathogenic agents for controlling rice field pests < li>

• Identify, adapt, and evaluate new breeding methods, e.g. biotechnology, for use in varietal improvement programs

• Identify and evaluate the cooking, nutritional, and processing qualities of new rice varieties and selections developed by U.S. public rice breeders in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas

• Control rice diseases by use of selective germplasm and biological methods