Rice Variety Profile for M-208
RES Rice Varieties
Variety: M-208
- Former ID:
- Year: 2007
Introduction
M-208 is an early maturing, semi-dwarf, glabrous, Calrose medium grain (CRMG) quality rice variety that has Pi-z gene resistance to race IG-1 of the rice blast pathogen found in California. It was developed by the CCRRF at the Rice Experiment Station (RES) and released to growers in 2006. M-208 parents involved M-204 and RES developed germplasm from M-401 crossed to Lafitte. Lafitte is a medium grain release from Louisiana State University and the source of the Pi-z blast resistance gene.
Agronomic Characteristics
M-208 was compared very-early to early M- 206, M-207 (first CRMG with Pi-z blast resistance) and M-202 (Table 1). M-208 is essentially an M-202 agronomic type CRMG that is a significant improvement over M-207. Days to 50% heading for M- 208 averaged 1 day and 6 days later than M- 202 and M-206, respectively. M-208 is similar to M-202 in seedling vigor and lodging (even though it is 2 cm taller). Kernels of M-208 are slightly larger in size and weight compared to M-206, M-207 and M-202. Laboratory analysis for physicochemical characteristics by the USDA-ARS Rice Research Unit, Beaumont, Texas, indicates M-208 fits Calrose medium grain standards. Evaluations of milled rice samples by California rice marketing organizations and individual evaluators indicate M-208 is similar to M-206 M-207 and M-202 with small improvements noted in taste and texture for M-208. M-208 may be commingled with other Calrose medium grains.
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Area of Adaptation
M-208 is adapted to the majority of M-202 growing areas north of the Yolo/Colusa County line and west of Highway 70. It has specific applications in those areas of Glenn and Colusa Counties that have recurring blast damage associated with reduced yields and milling quality. M-208 also provides another variety option for medium grain production in other areas.