Genetic Diversity and Improvement (Leader: Takashi Kumashiro)

Rationale

Rice yields in Africa are affected by a large number of abiotic and biotic stresses. The major abiotic stresses addressed through this program are drought, acidity, salinity, iron toxicity and extreme temperatures. The major biotic stresses that are considered are: RYMV, BLB, blast, African rice gall midge, stem borers and termites. In this program both conventional breeding and biotechnology will be used to exploit the rich reservoir of genetic resources present in the indigenous germplasm pool of African rice Oryza glaberrima, its wild relatives – O. barthii and O. longistaminata – and O. sativa landraces.

Goal

• To improve the well-being of rice producers and consumers in Africa.

Purpose

• To provide farmers with superior germplasm, adapted to local growing conditions and stresses and consumer preferences

Output

• Enhanced genetic diversity generated

• Improved and stable rice lines and varieties with good grain quality available

• Enhanced knowledge of G x E interactions for abiotic and biotic stresses available

• Enhanced involvement of farmers in rice genetic resources development established

Collaboration with farmer organizations, NGOs, NARES, IRRI, CIAT, JIRCAS, IRD, CIRAD, John Innes Centre, Universities of Cornell and Nihon

Activities in AfricaRice member countries, Ethiopia, Tanzania