Roy J - New Rice Variety Released in 2010

The University of Arkansas released a new variety this winter that should provide growers a new alternative to Wells that have improved yield potential and improved straw strength. Based on various trials, the yield potential of Roy J appears to be substantially better than Wells and Francis. The overall disease reaction is similar to Wells. It is susceptible to rice blast but appears to be slightly better than Wells. It is about 43 inches tall but has the strongest straw strength of any variety that tall I have every seen. In three years of testing, I can count on one hand how many plots have lodged. Roy J was distributed as Foundation seed this spring. Registered seed should be available for purchase in 2011.