The yin and yang

The Rice Quality Symposium II, held during the recent USA Rice Outlook Conference in New Orleans, is part of that effort. Select buyers were invited to meet with U.S. rice breeders and sample their various releases.

Famoso participated in the symposium, showcasing LA202126 and a few other lines. And he received very positive comments about the high-amylose line.

LA20-2126 also has the desirable 7 mm kernel length and low chalk. “The feedback we’ve received from some of the Latin American customers has been very, very favorable on the appearance of the grain,” Famoso said.

In addition, the new variety has the Pi-ta gene for blast resistance and the Cercospora gene. Because the new high-amylose variety has a slightly lower yield potential than some of the other conventional long grains, Famoso said he envisions growers identity preserving it. That way they can command a premium from buyers seeking the grain and cooking quality traits.