Rice
Priscilla rice
Priscilla is a high yielding semi-dwarf rice variety released by the Mississippi (MAFES) breeding program at the Delta Research and Extension Center. During the past 3 years, Priscilla yields have averaged 16 bushels per acre more than Lemont, the most widely grown variety in Mississippi.
Although Priscilla has been grown on a wide variety of soil types and conditions, everything is not known about the variety and how it responds to different conditions. It is suggested that Priscilla be grown on land that has been previously planted in rice. Do not grow it on first year land because of the potential for kernel smut and avoid newly land formed fields.
Priscilla seed are larger than Lemont, so planting the standard 90 pounds of seed per acre is equivalent to planting 34 seed per square foot. In a good seedbed, this is sufficient. However, in a rough seedbed, the seeding rate should be increased to 100 to 110 pounds per acre. The recommended seeding rate is 40 seed per square foot for most varieties. Seed should be planted 0.75 to 1-inch deep and use a gibberellic acid seed treatment. Seedling vigor is good. However, emergence of Priscilla will be 1 to 2 days later than Lemont. Priscilla averages 2 to 4 inches taller than Lemont, but straw strength is excellent. In research plots, Priscilla has lodged about half as much as Lemont.
Although Priscilla has California lines in its background, it has not shown sensitivity to molinate (Arrosolo or Ordram), which is typical of some California lines. No problems have been observed in research plots or in yield trials conducted at seven locations throughout the Delta.
Priscilla is moderately susceptible to sheath blight and Lemont is very susceptible. In research plots, Priscilla yield response to sheath blight fungicides has been about half that of Lemont. Blast has not been a problem during the past 3 years and currently, Priscilla is rated moderately resistant.
Priscilla is moderately susceptible to kernel smut and thus, fertility should be managed accordingly. Fertility research is inconclusive concerning Priscilla response to nitrogen fertilizer. To reduce the potential for smut, about two-thirds of the total nitrogen should be applied prior to permanent flood. The average nitrogen fertilizer use in the 1998 on-farm variety trials was 217 pounds per acre and smut was not a problem in most locations. However, in some seed, increase fields with high nitrogen fertilization, smut was observed. Current suggestions are to apply no more than 200 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per acre. A common practice is to apply 100 pounds of ammonium sulfate or 50 pounds of urea at the 2- to 3- leaf stage and flush the field. Apply 250 pounds of urea prior to permanent flood. At midseason, apply two 65 pound applications of urea about 10 days apart.
Because of its tolerance to disease, Priscilla will remain green longer than Lemont. Priscilla heads earlier than Lemont but it matures at about the same time as Lemont (one day earlier). Sodium chlorate may be needed to dry down the foliage to improve harvesting efficiency. Milling yields have been fair but slightly lower than Lemont.
