Univs. in 5 states reach hybrid rice-breeding dea

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) -- Universities in five states have agreed to work together to develop a new breed of hybrid rice.

The project involves Southeast Missouri State University, Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas, Mississippi State University and Texas A&M.

The hybrid is the result of pollination between two different varieties.

Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau says that Missouri's part of the breeding program will take place at the Missouri Rice Research Farm in Glennonville. The effort marks the first time hybrid rice will be bred in Missouri.

Associate agriculture professor Donn Beighley says the hybrid has more plant vigor, resulting in higher yields, better disease tolerance and larger producer profits than a conventional pure-line rice.