The Hybrid Rice Research and Development Consortium (HRDC),
established by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), will
strengthen public-private sector partnership in hybrid rice, a technology that
can raise the yield of rice and thus overall rice productivity and
profitability in Asia.
Hybrid rice takes advantage of the phenomenon of hybrid
vigor-known as heterosis-to achieve yields 15-20% higher than nonhybrid
(inbred) varieties. Over the past three decades, the technology has helped China achieve
food security, but has not yet reached its potential in the tropics.
IRRI and its partners in the public and private sector have
led research on development of, and use of, hybrid rice technology in the tropics
for almost 30 years. Successful deployment of hybrid rice in Asia,
however, requires more effective cooperation between public research
institutions and the private sector in research to overcome current
constraints.
The HRDC will be hosted by IRRI and will have three major
objectives:
. Support research on developing new hybrids with enhanced
yield heterosis, improved seed production, multiple resistances to stresses,
and grain quality.
. Support research on best management practices for rice
hybrids.
. Improve information sharing, public awareness, and
capacity building.
Public and private sector organizations and companies with
interest in hybrid rice development are invited to become members of the HRDC.
For private-sector members, annual financial contributions under the consortium
structure will take into account the status of seed companies at different
stages of development. HRDC members will have access to improved parents,
hybrids, and breeding lines, including seeds and associated information.
The HRDC will have a public-private sector advisory
committee and will meet annually to provide information to its members on new
plant genetic resources available or under development, review research on
hybrid rice management, discuss new research priorities, and make decisions on
other consortium activities such as capacity building for both the public and
private sectors.
According to IRRI senior hybrid rice researcher Fangming
Xie, the HRDC will significantly enhance the capacity for hybrid rice research
and product delivery, while providing services and support to the private
sector in its product development and delivery that will benefit the general
public.
"National agricultural research and extension systems and
other public sector organizations engaged in hybrid rice research and
development will be among the primary beneficiaries of funds generated by the
HRDC", said Dr. Xie. "Rice farmers in Asia
will benefit from accelerated access to hybrid rice-based technologies such as
more and better hybrids, good-quality seed, knowledge, and services provided by
the private and public sectors."
About the IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world`s leading
rice research and training center. Based in the Philippines, with offices in 13
other countries, IRRI is an autonomous, nonprofit institution focused on
improving the well-being of present and future generations of rice farmers and
consumers, particularly those with low incomes, while preserving natural
resources. IRRI is one of 15 centers funded through the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), an association of public and
private donor agencies (www.cgiar.org)
Duncan Macintosh, IRRI, DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines;
tel +63-2-580-5600; fax: +63-2-580-5699; email d.macintosh@cgiar.org.
References:
IRRI Home (www.irri.org)
IRRI Library (http://ricelib.irri.org)
Rice Knowledge Bank (www.knowledgebank.irri.org).
Contact:
Dr. Fangming Xie
Senior Scientist
Hybrid Rice Breeding, Plant
Breeding,
Genetics, and Biotechnology Division
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippines
f.xie@cgiar.org
+63-2-580-5600, ext. 2769
Fax: +63-2-580-5699
Copyright 2007 International Rice Research Institute
