Growers interested in the new Provisia Rice System will get a chance to see the first commercially released variety in a large-scale planting at Horizon Ag’s June 27 field day in Kaplan, La.
Developed by BASF through traditional breeding techniques, Provisia Rice is tolerant to Provisia herbicide, which received Environmental Protection Agency registration in 2017.
Provisia herbicide contains the active ingredient quizalofop, a grass material, so growers will have to use other products to control broadleaf weeds and sedges.
BASF partnered with the Louisiana State University AgCenter to develop Provisia rice varieties. Horizon Ag is the marketing partner as it is with Clearfield rice.
“The Provisia Rice System is another important tool enabling rice producers to more effectively manage costly weed problems while planting high-yielding, superior quality Horizon Ag varieties,” says Tim Walker, Horizon Ag general manager. “We believe Provisia rice will help extend the life of the Clearfield system where it continues to have efficacy on grass and weedy rice, while also improving control options in areas where the Clearfield system is not as effective today.”
The Horizon Ag Louisiana field day at Richard Farms in Kaplan will include a 20-acre field of PVL01, the first Provisia rice variety from the LSU AgCenter breeding program. Several other varieties are in the pipeline.
Volunteer weedy rice was growing in the field at time of planting, offering attendees an opportunity to see the control offered by the Provisia Rice System in a large-field setting.
“Education about proper crop rotation and best management practices will be important for integrating this new system into our existing rice programs,” Walker says. “Proper use and stewardship will be important for the long-term viability of keeping rice in our rotation. Louisiana growers and the rest of the rice industry are encouraged to attend the field day to begin getting familiar with Provisia rice and how it fits in a rotation with Clearfield rice and other crops.”
The field day also will show off the two newest Clearfield varieties, CL153 and CL172, both offering high yield and high quality.
Registration begins at 4:30 p.m., with the tour beginning at 5 p.m. Richard Farms is located at 5632 Louisiana Highway 700, Kaplan, La. For more information, contact Michael Fruge of Horizon Ag at mfruge@horizonseed.com