Effect of agronomic management on rice grain quality Part I: A review of Australian practices

Abstract

AbstractCrop yield dominates rice (Oryza sativa L.) industry research; however, it is grain quality that dictates the value and market acceptance of rice. Key parameters of rice grain quality include physical appearance, amenability to processing and the cooking and sensory properties. In Australia, rice farmers who do not meet defined high‐quality standards receive discounts to their payments. Consequently, even with high yields, poor grain quality can negatively impact grower returns. Despite the financial consequences, the quality of Australian grown rice is highly variable, because unfortunately, the underlying causes are poorly understood. The identification of genetic markers for specific traits largely dominates rice grain quality research, while research regarding the effect of crop management practices on grain quality is relatively sparse and generally lacks an Australian focus. Prior research that has assessed the effect of crop management practices on grain quality tends to focus primarily on milling quality and neglect the physicochemical and cooking properties. This review outlines the current state of knowledge of the role nutritional management, irrigation protocols, planting density, and the interaction with genotype and environment on rice grain quality. The review highlights the uniqueness of Australian management practices and that there is a need for future research to understand the impact of agronomic practices on rice grain quality in Australia. Understanding how each cultivar interacts with agronomic practices can help reduce the variability found within rice crops.