Although Australia and Laos have very different environments, the problems relating to the effect of extreme temperatures on rice production are shared. Altitude accounts for a large proportion of the temperature variability in Laos. In the northern and central regions, low temperature causes problems during establishment and the reproductive period, whereas high temperatures during flowering causes damage in the lowlands to the south. Identifying and screening genotypes to minimise the impact of extreme temperatures at the establishment, reproductive and flowering stage must remain a major target of research efforts. Collaboration between international scientists on the common problem of temperature constraints to rice production can contribute to increased productivity and worldwide food security.
