Rice grain quality: an Australian multi-environment study

Abstract

Rice is a staple for much of the world’s population. Increased production of good-quality rice is a necessity for global food security. Variable water supply and increasingly unpredictable weather is an ongoing challenge to the Australian rice industry, with the impact felt along the supply chain from growers to consumers. This multi-environment trial (MET) is focused on capturing the quality of milled grain produced in new growing regions beyond south-eastern Australia. Data on grain quality from 54 rice-variety trials grown between 2008 and 2017 across 10 locations and two seasons (wet and dry) spanning four Australian states and territories are included. Physical quality traits (yellowness index and whole grain yield), grain composition (apparent amylose and protein content) and eating quality traits (setback and gelatinisation temperature) were analysed. Varietal predictions for each quality trait at a range of sites provide evidence for the industry to develop strategies to deliver a consistent supply of high-quality Australian-grown rice.