Taurus (experimental designation RU1901033) is an early season semidwarf conventional medium-grain rice cultivar developed at the Rice Research and Extension Center, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Taurus has an outstanding yield potential, good milling and grain quality, and improved lodging and blast resistance compared with the current commercial medium-grain cultivars Jupiter and Titan.

In 38 statewide and regional trials from 2018-2021, Taurus had an average 219 bushels/acre as compared with 206 of Titan. Average milling yields (%whole milled kernels : %total milled rice) were 64:71 for Taurus, compared with 62:70 for Titan. Taurus has a semidwarf plant type and is moderately susceptible to lodging. It averaged 34 inches in height in yield trials across Mid-South, which is about 3 inches shorter than both Jupiter and Titan. Taurus matures 2 days earlier than Jupiter and 3 days later than Titan. The average number of days from emergence to 50% heading is 85 as compared with 89 of Jupiter and 83 of Titan.

Taurus is a typical Southern medium-grain with a kernel size larger and longer than Jupiter but slightly smaller than Titan. The average length and width, length/width ratio, and kernel weight of milled whole kernels of Taurus were 5.89 mm, 2.49 mm, 2.37, and 20.80 mg as compared with 5.57, 2.67, 2.16, and 21.36 of Jupiter, 6.06, 2.59, 2.34, and 22.50 of Titan, respectively. Average amylose content of Taurus is 14.2% compared with 14.5 and 15.2 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Taurus also has a low gelatinization temperature of 61.6°C that is slightly lower than 63.3 and 62.1 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Taurus has a low chalk of 1.6% compared with 2.6 and 1.7 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively.

Taurus was rated moderately susceptible to leaf blast, an improvement over Jupiter that was rated susceptible. Molecular markers also confirmed that Taurus possesses both Pi-z and Pi-ks genes as compared to Jupiter’s Pi-ks gene for blast resistance. Taurus appeared susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight.

The leaves, lemma, and palea of Taurus are glabrous. The spikelet is straw colored. The apiculus is purple at heading but straw color as grains approach maturity. The grain is non-aromatic.

Taurus was developed using Rice Grower check-off funds administered by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.

Lynx (RU1701121) is a high yielding, early maturing, and short stature medium-grain rice cultivar developed at the Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC), University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in Stuttgart, Arkansas. This cultivar was approved for release following the 2019 growing season.

Lynx has shown outstanding yield potential, good milling and grain quality, and good lodging and blast resistance compared with Jupiter and Titan in 62 statewide and regional replicated trials during 2016-2019. The average grain yield of Lynx at 12% moisture is 207 bu/acre compared with 202 of Jupiter, and 201 of Titan. Lynx averaged 40.1 inches in height in yield trials across Mid-South, which is slightly taller than the 38.2 and 39 inches of Jupiter and Titan, respectively, and is moderately susceptible to lodging. Lynx has similar maturity as Jupiter but much later than Titan. The average number of days from emergence to 50% heading is 86 as compared with 86 and 81 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively.

The leaves, lemma, and palea of Lynx are glabrous. The spikelet is straw colored.  The apiculus is white at heading and becomes straw-colored as grains approach maturity.  The grain is non-aromatic. Lynx has the plump medium-grain size just like Titan, which is significantly larger than that of Jupiter. Lynx has an average chalkiness value of 2.16% as compared with 2.09 of Jupiter and 1.80 of Titan, respectively. Average apparent amylose content of Lynx is 156 g kg^-1 compared with 164 and 161 g kg^-1 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Lynx has a low gelatinization temperature of 62.7°C, which is similar to the 62.1 and 62.9°C of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. These results indicate that Lynx has the typical U.S. medium-grain rice cooking characteristics.

Lynx showed moderately susceptible to leaf blast with a rating of 4.9, as compared with 5.0 and 4.8 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Lynx showed susceptible to blast races IB-1 and IB-49, but resistant to IC-17, IE-1K, and moderately resistant to IG-1 and IH-1. Lynx appeared susceptible to sheath blight, bacterial panicle blight, kernel smut, and false smut.

Lynx was advanced with the use of rice grower check-off funds distributed by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.

The short-grain rice cultivar 1099 was developed at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The line originated from a cross made with the famed Japanese short grain rice cultivar Koshihikari, which is a high quality Japanese cultivar in the world collection with low yield potential and poor straw strength. 1099 is similar in maturity to its parent Koshihikari, and has greater straw strength with 1099 rated a 3 versus Koshihikari at an 8. 1099 averages 105 cm in plant height. Over a 6-year span, 1099 average rough rice yields were about 1400 lbs/acre more than Koshihikari. Milling yields over a 6-year period averaged 643:722, 625:721 for 1099 and Koshihikari, respectively.

1099 is susceptible to rice blast and sheath blight. Plants of 1099 have erect culms, green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The lemma and palea are straw colored with straw colored apiculi, and some short tip awns may be found on the lemma under high fertility.  Kernels are similar in size to those of Koshihikari. Individual milled kernel weights of 1099 and Koshihikari, averaged 17.7 and 18.3 mg, respectively, over a 6-year period in the ARPT.

Koshihikari is a premium-quality short-grain Japanese rice cultivar which is desirable as a speciality rice. When compared to Southern medium-grain rice, this rice has a silky smooth texture, glossy appearance, mild aroma, sweet taste, poor agronomic characteristics and low yield potential. 1099 compares favorably with good quality Japanese cultivars.  In an independent test in Japan, 1099 rated a 76 on a Japanese taste testing machine compared to Atitakomachi in the same test which rated a 74 (Koshihikari was not included in their test); the higher the number the better the taste.  They rated the sample lower in other areas and were surprised by the good ratings from the machine.

The endosperm of 1099 is non-glutinous, non-aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp. Rice quality parameters indicate that 1099 has short-grain cooking quality characteristics. 1099 has an average apparent starch amylose content of 134 g kg^-1 and a low gelatinization temperature (< 70 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 7.0. 1099, like Koshihikari, has the CT 17 allele associated with apparent amylose content. 

LaKast rice is a very high yielding, very-short season, long-grain rice cultivar developed at the Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Rough rice grain yields of LaKast have consistently ranked in the top tier of entrants in the Arkansas Rice Performance Trials.

Milling yields for LaKast in the URRN in Arkansas during 2008-2013 averaged 570:700.  LaKast is similar in maturity to CL111 which is 5 to 7 days earlier than Roy J. LaKast has straw strength of 4 which is similar to  Francis or Wells. LaKast averages 112 cm in plant height.

LaKast is susceptible to common rice blast (races IB-1, IB-33, IB-49, IC-17, IE-1, and IE-1K) with summary ratings in greenhouse tests of 4, 6, 6, 4, 5 and 4, respectively, using the standard disease scale of 0 = immune, 9 = maximum disease susceptibility. LaKast is rated S to kernel smut, sheath spot, stem rot, and false smut.  It is moderately susceptible to lodging, crown (black) sheath rot, sheath blight, narrow brown leaf spot, bacterial panicle blight, and straighthead.

Plants of LaKast have erect culms, green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The lemma and palea are straw-colored with red and purple apiculi, many of which fade to straw at maturity.  Kernels of LaKast are long at 7.60 mm compared to Roy J and Wells at 7.22 and 7.25 mm, respectively. Individual milled kernel weights of LaKast, Roy J, Taggart, Templeton, Francis, Wells, and Cheniere averaged 21.9, 20.7, 22.8, 19.0, 18.9, 20.9, and 19.0 mg/kernel, respectively, in the ARPT 2009-2012. 

The endosperm of LaKast is non-glutinous, non-aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp.  Rice quality parameters indicate that LaKast has typical southern U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality characteristics. LaKast has an average apparent starch amylose content of 22.0 g kg^-1 and an intermediate gelatinization temperature (70 – 75 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 3 to 5.

Wells is a high-yielding, short-season, long-grain cultivar developed at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Rough rice grain yields of Wells have been consistently in the top tier of the ARPT, being comparable to LaGrue and greater than Kaybonnet, Cypress, Newbonnet and Drew.

Milling yields during a 3 year period averaged 610:700.  Wells is similar in maturity to ’LaGrue.  Wells rated a 3 for straw strength scale (0 = very strong straw, 9 = very weak straw). Wells is approximately 100 cm tall.

Wells is resistant to rice blast races IB-45, IB-54, IG-1, and IH-1, rating a 1, 1, 1, and 1, respectively, on a disease scale of 0 = immune, 9 = maximum disease.  It is susceptible to races IB-1, IB-33, IB-49, IC-17, IE-1, and IE-1k, rating a 4-5, 7, 7-8, 7-8, 5-6, and 6, respectively. Wells is very susceptible to stem rot and susceptible to sheath blight, straighthead, bacterial panicle blight, narrow brown leaf spot kernel smut, and false smut. Wells is moderately susceptible to black sheath rot and lodging.          

Wells plants have erect culms, dark green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades.  The lemma and palea are straw colored with colorless to purple colored apiculi, and some short tip awns are present on the lemma at maturity.  The purple apiculi color often fades to straw color at maturity. Kernels are similar in size to those of LaGrue.  In the ARPT (1996-1998) individual milled kernel weights of Wells, LaGrue, Kaybonnet, Drew, and Newbonnet averaged 18.9, 19.0, 15.7, 17.0, and 18.1 mg, respectively.  

The endosperm of Wells is nonglutinous, nonaromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp.  Rice quality parameters indicate that Wells has typical southern U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality characteristics. Wells has an average apparent starch amylose content of 212 g kg^-1 and an intermediate gelatinization temperature (70-75 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 3.8.

ARoma 22 is a high-yielding, mid-season, jasmine-type aromatic long-grain rice cultivar developed by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture at the Rice Research and Extension Center, near Stuttgart, AR. The aromatic line was approved for release for the 2022 growing season. ARoma 22 offers jasmine-type rice more adapted to Arkansas growing conditions for rice producers who want to serve that consumer market.

ARoma 22 is a mid-season variety with excellent straw strength, comparable to ‘Diamond’. The plant height of ARoma 22 is 43 inches and the canopy height is 38 inches.

ARoma 22 is moderately susceptible to common races of rice blast and to sheath blight. Under high nitrogen fertilization, ARoma 22 is moderately susceptible to false smut and is rated moderately susceptible to bacterial panicle blight. Plants of ARoma 22 have erect culms, green erect leaves, and pubescent lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The lemma and palea are straw-colored with purple apiculi, many of which fade to straw at maturity.

The endosperm of ARoma 22 is nonglutinous, aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp. Rice quality parameters indicate that ARoma 22 has jasmine-type characteristics with an average apparent starch amylose content of 16.4 g kg^-1 and a low gelatinization temperature of 61.9°C, as indicated by an average alkali (17 g kg^-1 KOH) spreading reaction of 6 to 7, according to data provided by Riceland Grain Quality Laboratory. Milled kernels of ARoma 22 are approximately 7.5 mm in length, 2.1 mm in width, and 1.7 mm in thickness.

ARoma 22 was advanced with the use of rice grower check-off funds distributed by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.

Ozark (experimental designation RU2001185) is a high-yielding, mid-season, conventional long-grain rice cultivar developed at the Rice Research and Extension Center, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in Stuttgart, Arkansas. This cultivar was approved by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station for release for the 2021 growing season. Ozark has an average plant height of 43 inches in yield trials across Mid-South that is 2 inches taller than Diamond, and appears moderately susceptible to lodging. Ozark is slightly earlier than Diamond with the average 88 days from emergence to 50% heading.

In 26 statewide and regional replicated trials from 2020-202, the average grain yield of Ozark is 219 bushels/acre compared with 211 of Diamond. Average milling yields (%whole milled kernels : %total milled rice) in those same trials were 58:70 for Ozark and 56:69 for Diamond.

Under inoculated and natural infection conditions, Ozark was rated susceptible to leaf blast and neck blast. It also susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight, moderately susceptible to narrow leaf brown spot and false smut, but moderately resistant to straighthead.

Ozark has the traditional erect plant type and plant height with erect culms, dark green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The spikelet is straw colored, while the apiculus is purple-colored at heading but fades as grains approach maturity. The grain is non-aromatic.

Ozark has the typical U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality similar to Diamond with a slender and plumper kernel than Diamond. The average length, width (mm), length/width ratio, and kernel weight (mg) of milled whole kernels of Ozark were 7.45, 2.14, 3.49, and 22.12 as compared with 7.23, 2.12, 3.41, and 21.58 of Diamond, respectively. Ozark had an average chalkiness value of 2.3% similar to the 2.25% of Diamond. Average amylose content of Ozark is 24.1% compared with 22.3% of Diamond. Ozark has an intermediate gelatinization temperature of 69.3°C, which is similar to the 69.6°C of Diamond, from the 2020 ARPT data analyzed by the Riceland Foods Inc. Quality Laboratory.

Ozark was developed using Rice Grower check-off funds administered by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.

Taurus (experimental designation RU1901033) is an early season semidwarf conventional medium-grain rice cultivar developed at the Rice Research and Extension Center, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Taurus has an outstanding yield potential, good milling and grain quality, and improved lodging and blast resistance compared with the current commercial medium-grain cultivars Jupiter and Titan.

In 38 statewide and regional trials from 2018-2021, Taurus had an average 219 bushels/acre as compared with 206 of Titan. Average milling yields (%whole milled kernels : %total milled rice) were 64:71 for Taurus, compared with 62:70 for Titan. Taurus has a semidwarf plant type and is moderately susceptible to lodging. It averaged 34 inches in height in yield trials across Mid-South, which is about 3 inches shorter than both Jupiter and Titan. Taurus matures 2 days earlier than Jupiter and 3 days later than Titan. The average number of days from emergence to 50% heading is 85 as compared with 89 of Jupiter and 83 of Titan.

Taurus is a typical Southern medium-grain with a kernel size larger and longer than Jupiter but slightly smaller than Titan. The average length and width, length/width ratio, and kernel weight of milled whole kernels of Taurus were 5.89 mm, 2.49 mm, 2.37, and 20.80 mg as compared with 5.57, 2.67, 2.16, and 21.36 of Jupiter, 6.06, 2.59, 2.34, and 22.50 of Titan, respectively. Average amylose content of Taurus is 14.2% compared with 14.5 and 15.2 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Taurus also has a low gelatinization temperature of 61.6°C that is slightly lower than 63.3 and 62.1 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Taurus has a low chalk of 1.6% compared with 2.6 and 1.7 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively.

Taurus was rated moderately susceptible to leaf blast, an improvement over Jupiter that was rated susceptible. Molecular markers also confirmed that Taurus possesses both Pi-z and Pi-ks genes as compared to Jupiter’s Pi-ks gene for blast resistance. Taurus appeared susceptible to sheath blight and bacterial panicle blight.

The leaves, lemma, and palea of Taurus are glabrous. The spikelet is straw colored. The apiculus is purple at heading but straw color as grains approach maturity. The grain is non-aromatic.

Taurus was developed using Rice Grower check-off funds administered by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.

Lynx (RU1701121) is a high yielding, early maturing, and short stature medium-grain rice cultivar developed at the Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC), University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in Stuttgart, Arkansas. This cultivar was approved for release following the 2019 growing season.

Lynx has shown outstanding yield potential, good milling and grain quality, and good lodging and blast resistance compared with Jupiter and Titan in 62 statewide and regional replicated trials during 2016-2019. The average grain yield of Lynx at 12% moisture is 207 bu/acre compared with 202 of Jupiter, and 201 of Titan. Lynx averaged 40.1 inches in height in yield trials across Mid-South, which is slightly taller than the 38.2 and 39 inches of Jupiter and Titan, respectively, and is moderately susceptible to lodging. Lynx has similar maturity as Jupiter but much later than Titan. The average number of days from emergence to 50% heading is 86 as compared with 86 and 81 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively.

The leaves, lemma, and palea of Lynx are glabrous. The spikelet is straw colored.  The apiculus is white at heading and becomes straw-colored as grains approach maturity.  The grain is non-aromatic. Lynx has the plump medium-grain size just like Titan, which is significantly larger than that of Jupiter. Lynx has an average chalkiness value of 2.16% as compared with 2.09 of Jupiter and 1.80 of Titan, respectively. Average apparent amylose content of Lynx is 156 g kg^-1 compared with 164 and 161 g kg^-1 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Lynx has a low gelatinization temperature of 62.7°C, which is similar to the 62.1 and 62.9°C of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. These results indicate that Lynx has the typical U.S. medium-grain rice cooking characteristics.

Lynx showed moderately susceptible to leaf blast with a rating of 4.9, as compared with 5.0 and 4.8 of Jupiter and Titan, respectively. Lynx showed susceptible to blast races IB-1 and IB-49, but resistant to IC-17, IE-1K, and moderately resistant to IG-1 and IH-1. Lynx appeared susceptible to sheath blight, bacterial panicle blight, kernel smut, and false smut.

Lynx was advanced with the use of rice grower check-off funds distributed by the Arkansas Rice Research and Promotion Board.

Diamond rice is a very high yielding, very short-season, long-grain rice developed at the Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Diamond is close in maturity to LaKast and about 4 to 5 days earlier than the Roy J varietal.  Diamond has straw strength of 3 (equal to Wells) compared to a 4 for LaKast and 1 for Roy J. Diamond is 104 cm in plant height which is similar to Roy J and Wells. Rough rice grain yields of Diamond have consistently ranked as one of the highest in the Arkansas Rice Performance Trials 

Diamond is rated S to sheath blight, blast, stem rot and kernel smut, which compares to Francis, Roy J, and Wells. Diamond is rated MS to bacterial panicle blight and lodging and VS to false smut using the standard disease R = resistant, MR = moderately resistant, MS = moderately susceptible, S = susceptible and VS = very susceptible to disease. Plants of Diamond have erect culms, green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The lemma and palea are straw colored with purple apiculi, many of which fade to straw at maturity. 

The endosperm of Diamond is non-glutinous, non-aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp. Milled kernels of Diamond are long at 7.15 mm compared to Lakast, Roy J, Wells, Taggart, and Mermentau at 7.47, 7.24, 7.16, 7.40 and 7.06 mm, respectively. Rice quality parameters indicate that Diamond has typical southern U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality. Diamond has an average apparent starch amylose content of 22.8 g kg^-1 and an intermediate gelatinization temperature (70 – 75 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 3 to 5. 

The short-grain rice cultivar 1099 was developed at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. The line originated from a cross made with the famed Japanese short grain rice cultivar Koshihikari, which is a high quality Japanese cultivar in the world collection with low yield potential and poor straw strength. 1099 is similar in maturity to its parent Koshihikari, and has greater straw strength with 1099 rated a 3 versus Koshihikari at an 8. 1099 averages 105 cm in plant height. Over a 6-year span, 1099 average rough rice yields were about 1400 lbs/acre more than Koshihikari. Milling yields over a 6-year period averaged 643:722, 625:721 for 1099 and Koshihikari, respectively.

1099 is susceptible to rice blast and sheath blight. Plants of 1099 have erect culms, green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The lemma and palea are straw colored with straw colored apiculi, and some short tip awns may be found on the lemma under high fertility.  Kernels are similar in size to those of Koshihikari. Individual milled kernel weights of 1099 and Koshihikari, averaged 17.7 and 18.3 mg, respectively, over a 6-year period in the ARPT.

Koshihikari is a premium-quality short-grain Japanese rice cultivar which is desirable as a speciality rice. When compared to Southern medium-grain rice, this rice has a silky smooth texture, glossy appearance, mild aroma, sweet taste, poor agronomic characteristics and low yield potential. 1099 compares favorably with good quality Japanese cultivars.  In an independent test in Japan, 1099 rated a 76 on a Japanese taste testing machine compared to Atitakomachi in the same test which rated a 74 (Koshihikari was not included in their test); the higher the number the better the taste.  They rated the sample lower in other areas and were surprised by the good ratings from the machine.

The endosperm of 1099 is non-glutinous, non-aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp. Rice quality parameters indicate that 1099 has short-grain cooking quality characteristics. 1099 has an average apparent starch amylose content of 134 g kg^-1 and a low gelatinization temperature (< 70 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 7.0. 1099, like Koshihikari, has the CT 17 allele associated with apparent amylose content. 

LaKast rice is a very high yielding, very-short season, long-grain rice cultivar developed at the Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Rough rice grain yields of LaKast have consistently ranked in the top tier of entrants in the Arkansas Rice Performance Trials.

Milling yields for LaKast in the URRN in Arkansas during 2008-2013 averaged 570:700.  LaKast is similar in maturity to CL111 which is 5 to 7 days earlier than Roy J. LaKast has straw strength of 4 which is similar to  Francis or Wells. LaKast averages 112 cm in plant height.

LaKast is susceptible to common rice blast (races IB-1, IB-33, IB-49, IC-17, IE-1, and IE-1K) with summary ratings in greenhouse tests of 4, 6, 6, 4, 5 and 4, respectively, using the standard disease scale of 0 = immune, 9 = maximum disease susceptibility. LaKast is rated S to kernel smut, sheath spot, stem rot, and false smut.  It is moderately susceptible to lodging, crown (black) sheath rot, sheath blight, narrow brown leaf spot, bacterial panicle blight, and straighthead.

Plants of LaKast have erect culms, green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades. The lemma and palea are straw-colored with red and purple apiculi, many of which fade to straw at maturity.  Kernels of LaKast are long at 7.60 mm compared to Roy J and Wells at 7.22 and 7.25 mm, respectively. Individual milled kernel weights of LaKast, Roy J, Taggart, Templeton, Francis, Wells, and Cheniere averaged 21.9, 20.7, 22.8, 19.0, 18.9, 20.9, and 19.0 mg/kernel, respectively, in the ARPT 2009-2012. 

The endosperm of LaKast is non-glutinous, non-aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp.  Rice quality parameters indicate that LaKast has typical southern U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality characteristics. LaKast has an average apparent starch amylose content of 22.0 g kg^-1 and an intermediate gelatinization temperature (70 – 75 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 3 to 5.

Roy J rice is a very high yielding, mid-season, long-grain rice cultivar developed at the University of Arkansas Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Rough rice grain yields of Roy J have consistently ranked among the highest of all entrants in the Arkansas Rice Performance Trials.

Milling yields for Roy J in the URRN in Arkansas during 2008-2013 averaged 580:720. Roy J is similar in maturity to the cultivar Drew.  Roy J has straw strength of 2 which is better than Francis or Wells. Roy J averages 109 cm in plant height.

Roy J is susceptible to common rice blast (races IB-1, IB-33, IB-49, IC-17, IE-1, and IE-1K) with summary ratings in greenhouse tests of 6, 7, 6, 1, 5 and 5, respectively. Roy J is rated MS to sheath blight, black sheat rot and sheath spot, R to narrow brown leaf spot and S to straighthead, false smut, stem rot and bacterial panicle blight and VS to kernel smut.

Plants of Roy J have erect culms, dark green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades.  The lemma and palea are straw-colored with red and purple apiculi, many of which fade to straw at maturity. 

Roy J is partially awned with long awns on the lemma when grown under high fertility. Individual milled kernel weights of Roy J, Francis, Wells, LaGrue, Cybonnet, Cocodrie, and Drew averaged 18.3, 17.3, 18.9, 17.8, 17.7, 17.8, and 15.9, respectively, in the ARPT, 2007-2009. 

The endosperm of Roy J is non-glutinous, non-aromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp. Rice quality parameters indicate that Roy J has typical southern U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality characteristics as described by Webb et al. 1985. Roy J has an average apparent starch amylose content of 22.4 g kg^-1 and an intermediate gelatinization temperature (70 – 75 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 3 to 5.

Wells is a high-yielding, short-season, long-grain cultivar developed at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Rice Research and Extension Center in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Rough rice grain yields of Wells have been consistently in the top tier of the ARPT, being comparable to LaGrue and greater than Kaybonnet, Cypress, Newbonnet and Drew.

Milling yields during a 3 year period averaged 610:700.  Wells is similar in maturity to ’LaGrue.  Wells rated a 3 for straw strength scale (0 = very strong straw, 9 = very weak straw). Wells is approximately 100 cm tall.

Wells is resistant to rice blast races IB-45, IB-54, IG-1, and IH-1, rating a 1, 1, 1, and 1, respectively, on a disease scale of 0 = immune, 9 = maximum disease.  It is susceptible to races IB-1, IB-33, IB-49, IC-17, IE-1, and IE-1k, rating a 4-5, 7, 7-8, 7-8, 5-6, and 6, respectively. Wells is very susceptible to stem rot and susceptible to sheath blight, straighthead, bacterial panicle blight, narrow brown leaf spot kernel smut, and false smut. Wells is moderately susceptible to black sheath rot and lodging.          

Wells plants have erect culms, dark green erect leaves, and glabrous lemma, palea, and leaf blades.  The lemma and palea are straw colored with colorless to purple colored apiculi, and some short tip awns are present on the lemma at maturity.  The purple apiculi color often fades to straw color at maturity. Kernels are similar in size to those of LaGrue.  In the ARPT (1996-1998) individual milled kernel weights of Wells, LaGrue, Kaybonnet, Drew, and Newbonnet averaged 18.9, 19.0, 15.7, 17.0, and 18.1 mg, respectively.  

The endosperm of Wells is nonglutinous, nonaromatic, and covered by a light brown pericarp.  Rice quality parameters indicate that Wells has typical southern U.S. long-grain rice cooking quality characteristics. Wells has an average apparent starch amylose content of 212 g kg^-1 and an intermediate gelatinization temperature (70-75 degrees C), as indicated by an average alkali spreading reaction of 3.8.