Executive Summary Report
The Iranian government considering the need for hybrid rice technology, had hired me to initiate and intensify the research work on hybrid rice at RRII, Rasht Iran. I was stationed at Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht to guide the hybrid rice program of Iran from 9th May, 2003 to 8th May, 2005. To initiate the task entrusted to me, firstly I had studied and carefully identified the weaknesses and strengths of the ongoing hybrid rice program and based on which effective strategies were formulated. This study also encouraged me to prepare a project entitled “Promotion of hybrid technology for sustainable rice production in Iran” for financial assistance (0.4 million USD) from Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) under FAO for capacity building in hybrid rice technology. However besides this a national hybrid rice project has been submitted for financial assistance of 1.5 million USD from the Agricultural Ministry for a 5 year period (2005-2009) that includes 22 sub-projects involving different disciplines and also for the establishment of Nikshahr for conduct of paddy off-season nursery. Yet another project was formulated to support the training component especially designed for extension agents and farmers of Guilan province was prepared and submitted to Guilan Provincial Agricultural Organization. The foremost task for me was to identify key scientists to develop an effective research group comprising 35 scientists while trying to cross link them across different research centers. Capacity building was one of the essential objectives and was targeted effectively by training 115 persons on hybrid rice technology that included 3 training sessions on both hybrid rice cultivation and seed production. GRH1 hybrid (IR58025A/IR42686R) was identified as promising hybrid after testing it in 6 farmers field locations against Khazar over the last two years. GRH1 hybrid gave high average yield of 8.5 tonnes/ha in comparison to Khazar with 6.0 tonnes/ha. In the national rice crop yield competition, the GRH1 hybrid rice farmer Shakofe won the first prize for producing 13 tonnes/ha against Kadous with 8 tonnes/ha in Abkenar, Anzali, Guilan province. The hybrid seed production practices have been standardized to give 1.2 tonnes/ha from 0.3 tonnes/ha in the past. Research personnel and technicians were given hands on training to improve the hybrid seed production techniques. The purity of the GRH1 hybrid seed production was recovered to safe limits by replacing the impure parental seed materials. The hybrid rice source nursery (germplasm) was invigorated by adding 2860 different entries. The different nurseries in hybrid rice breeding were established with proper codes and standardized with proper procedures for handling. Six new long slender CMS lines were introduced and three of them were found to be stable for complete sterility. Seventeen new hybrid combinations were introduced directly from IRRI and elsewhere and five of them were found to out yield GRH1 by 1.0 tonnes/ha and AT 4 hybrid was shorter in duration by nearly three weeks as compared to GRH1. Two hundred and eighty kg of GRH1 hybrid seed is now available for deploying it in 14 ha during the 2005 cropping season. However, for enhancing the productivity of the hybrids, varieties and landraces, I happened to be quite successful in introducing the Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) technology to Iran by giving them training to 115 scientists, farmers and extension personnel. We further confirmed by conducting field trials, a LCC reading of 3 suitable for Hashemi and 4 for Khazar and GRH1. This technology reduced the use of N fertilizer by 35 kg for Hashemi while the yield of hybrid increased by 1.6 tonnes/ha over the recommended N plot by only addition of 31 kg of N fertilizer. Farmers cultivating traditional land races will be benefited by use of LCC since the required N fertilizer gets lowered thereby reducing lodging and blast incidence in traditional landraces. We had also prepared easy to read pamphlets for LCC and GRH1 hybrid rice cultivation for effective dissemination.
The success of hybrid rice project would enable Iran to become self sufficient in its rice requirement on a long-term basis. Hybrid rice technology as a strategy to sustain the rice production levels in Iran needs to be developed in a phased manner and in the first phase starting from (2005-2009) we have requested the government to finance about 1.5 million USD for intensification of hybrid rice research. Government may need to finance two million USD during the second phase (2009-2014) for developing strategies and means to sustain the self sufficiency beyond 2015. However, during my first two years over here we could partially address the issues on capacity building, standardizing GRH 1 seed production techniques, LCC technology, invigorating the hybrid rice source nursery and developing new hybrid combinations. Besides this, five second generation rice hybrids have been identified with one tonne more than GRH1 and quality on par with it. Wide-scale adoption of hybrid rice technology is only possible through proper policy support and financial backing. Indeed, if we happen to adopt hybrid rice technology in a proper and timely manner, we will be attaining self sufficiency in rice production for Iran by 2010.
I like to thank all the scientists & technical staff for their kind support and cooperation during this period. My sincere thanks to Dr Alinia, Director General, Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht for giving me full research support and cooperation to make all this happen into a reality.
Dr Jauhar Ali
National Coordinator
(Hybrid & Molecular Rice Breeding Program of Iran)
& Consultant (IRRI-Iran project),
Rice Research Institute of Iran,
PO Box 1658, Rasht, Iran
Introduction
Rice grown over in Iran is completely irrigated and the production level in the year 2003 was relatively quite impressive with 3.3 million tonnes from 0.615 million hectares of harvested rice area with an average productivity of 5.0 tonnes/hectare. However, with the recent trend in impressive paddy production levels above 3.0 million tonnes during 2002 and 2003 is primarily due to wide scale adoption of improved varieties and production technologies (Figure 1). However, for further increase in rice production of Iran with limited resources like land and water will be a challenging task especially with consumer demand largely favouring superior grain quality. Iran imported rice with highest quantity of 1.2 million tonnes in the year 2000 by spending nearly 337 million $ USD but in recent years with increased adoption rate of improved varieties and favourable climatic conditions the imports have been reduced to 0.94 million tonnes. However, with recent fluctuations in the availability of surplus rice from rice exporting countries is being viewed seriously by International food policy planners especially considering next 22 years when the rice demand in Asia alone will be increased by 40% more of what is currently being produced. During the same period many of the rice exporting countries will be finding it difficult to sustain their surplus rice to trade with. In this context, Iran needs to develop a well drawn plan to attain self sufficiency in rice production. The following are the three key objectives that should be considered as foundation (i) To become self sufficient in rice requirement (ii) To improve the yield level of quality rices for meeting domestic need (iii) To make rice farming sustainable. Amongst the available approaches, the most viable option is to pursue hybrid rice technology for Iran based on the success achieved in India, Vietnam and Philippines. Hybrid rice technology will be delivering hybrids with medium quality on a short term basis with 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes per ha advantage over improved check variety like Khazar while superior quality with high yields can be combined in the hybrids provided a systematic approach is followed on a long term basis. Iranian breeders have been experimenting with hybrid rice as early as 1987 with the introduction of Chinese CMS lines like V20A and W32A. However, serious efforts were made from 1991 by screening the testcrosses for potential maintainers and restorers in local Iranian germplasm using IR62829A and IR58025A. Many of the Iranian germplasm were found to be usable maintainers, which further encouraged the breeders to develop their own CMS lines like the KhazarA, NematA, NedaA, DashtA, ChampaA and Amol3A. But lack of restorers in Iranian local germplasm jeopardized the development of rice hybrids. The government considering the need for hybrid rice technology had hired me to initiate and intensify the research work on hybrid rice at RRII, Rasht Iran. I was stationed at Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht to guide the hybrid rice program of Iran from May 2003 onwards. Prior to joining this position I was working as in the capacity of Project Scientist with Genome Mapping Lab, International Rice Research Institute, Philippines (2000-2003) and a regular staff [Assistant Professor, (senior scale)] of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.
Amongst the several approaches contemplated for sustainable rice production in Iran, hybrid rice technology utilizing molecular tools was worthwhile to be pursued. The initial success of hybrid rice technology ensured the rice farming itself to become more sustainable especially under higher cultivation and input costs. However, molecular breeding efforts were initiated to sustain the technology for Iranian conditions, the hybrids must combine the superior grain quality characteristics of traditional land races i.e. Hashemi, Domsiah with high yielding ability of the semi-dwarf improved varieties along with disease & insect pest resistance (blast, sheath blight, stem borer) while trying to develop a cost effective seed production package.
Recently with the success of identifying GRH1 rice hybrid that gave impressive results especially over last two years in on-farm trials conducted in 6 fields raises our hope to establish this technology for Iran. And yield levels of GRH1 ranged from 8.5 to 13 tonnes/ha with an advantage ranging from 1.5 t/ha to 3.5 t/ha over improved varieties. It is interesting to note that two hybrid rice farmers bagged the national rice crop yield competition this year (2004) with impressive yield returns. Despite the good cooking quality of this hybrid which was evaluated by 60 farmers and extension agents, the market price for this hybrid is yet to be determined and established in the favour of the farmers. Therefore, the government intervention is urgently required for giving a minimum support price equivalent to Khazar in the market place until the GRH1 gets by itself a fixed and assured market price. Development and evaluation of second generation hybrids are underway with increased yields and reduced duration as compared to GRH1. Further, several hybrids performed extremely well in comparison to local improved and traditional check varieties under national trials conducted over 6 locations across the country. Results show the rice hybrids in general show their inherent capability to perform better and exploit the longer photoperiodic conditions in varied agro-climatic situations in Iran. Thus, the immediate necessity is to train enough man power to produce the required quantity of hybrid seeds on a regular basis for the best available hybrid combinations. However, it is important to keep a diversity balance in the adoption area for hybrids, improved varieties and traditional landraces in equitable proportions (Table 1). Determining the target hybrid rice area by identifying high and low productivity areas within the potential paddy growing provinces of Iran needs to be carried out for the hybrid rice deployment. In order to make Iran self sufficient in its rice production by 2010, we may need to produce 2.79 million tonnes of milled rice (4.0 million tonnes of paddy) at the population growth rate of 1.07% (Figure 4). Recently, after tasting the success of achieving self sufficiency in wheat production, all efforts must be made for repeating the same for rice, to enable Iran to become self sufficient in rice production by 2010.
Strategy adopted to step up the ongoing hybrid rice program of Iran during this two year period was centered on the following:
· The identified hybrid GRH1 was tested in larger areas and a public opinion through market intelligence and consumer preference was addressed through scientific approaches by conducting on-farm trials, field days and demonstrations before making any attempt for its release.
Strengthened the research base and manpower in hybrid rice by conducting 3 training programmes in which 115 persons that included researchers, farmers and extension personnel besides several discussion sessions both in the field and laboratory.
Research efforts were made to develop new hybrids using newer sources of male sterile lines and restorers with superior grain quality: A total of 240 testcrosses were made and 6 promising new combinations were identified. Five second generation rice hybrids identified for field testing and seed production with one tonne more than GRH1 and quality on par with it.
· To develop strong parental line breeding program through conventional, molecular breeding and random mating composite population (RMCP) approaches: Parental line improvement program through RxR and BxB crosses were initiated. Besides random mating composite populations were established for developing early and late restorer and maintainer lines.
· Economic analysis for hybrid technology was initiated using estimated costs.
· Studies on prospects of TGMS/PTGMS lines based two line hybrid rice technology was initiated by test verifying six TGMS/PTGMS lines.
· Molecular rice breeding program has been initiated and the anther culture needs to be still refined for increasing callusing and regeneration efficiency. Besides Marker assisted selection (MAS) is being adopted for hybrid rice breeding program on a regular basis.
Summary of the work carried out prior to my joining: status report
Iran realizing the need for an organized research on rice formed the Rice Research Institute of Iran(RRII) in 1993 at Rasht, in Guilan province. From this institute several improved rice varieties were released like Khazar, Nemat Sepidroud, GIL 1, 3, Bejar, Dasht, Amol3, Fajr, Dorfak, Kadous, Shafagh, Sahel and Neda. Currently the area under improved rice varieties is around 30% of the total rice area and is being cultivated mostly in Mazandran province. Iranian breeders have been experimenting with hybrid rice as early as 1987 with the introduction of Chinese CMS lines like V20A and W32A. However, serious efforts were made from 1991 by screening the testcrosses for potential maintainers and restorers in local Iranian germplasm using IR62829A and IR58025A. Many of the Iranian germplasm were found to be usable maintainers which further encouraged the breeders to develop their own CMS lines like the KhazarA, NematA, NedaA, DashtA, ChampaA and Amol3A. But lack of restorers in Iranian local germplasm jeopardized the development of rice hybrids. After a thorough search for restorers recently a variety named Sepidroud was found to possess the restorer genes. This restorer could not be directly used since it was quite early by 25 days to the male sterile line IR58025A thus being difficult to bring about an effective flowering synchrony. Simultaneously IR56 was found to restore NedaA, an Iranian developed male sterile line. Therefore the breeders at present using the IRRI bred male sterile line like IR58025A and restorers like IR56, IR42686, IR62030R and IR60966R have successfully developed a couple of promising hybrids in comparison to improved check varieties like Khazar, Nemat and Neda. The seed production of such hybrids was of quite less quantity and quality. These hybrids needs to be further tested before its official release.
4. Research structural changes
a. Hybrid rice research network was established:
The hybrid rice research organizational network is important to achieve the overall objectives of the programme and for smooth functioning. The task of the Lead Center (LC) i.e. Rice Research Institute of Iran, is to coordinate the research activities and to assess the progress made from time to time. Rice hybrids developed by different centers and IRRI will be shared between the LC and Associate Centers (AC) for their evaluation and adaptability. The lead Center provides the requisite parental material for seed production and for off-season seed multiplication to the rice sub-stations in Chaparasar, Amol and at Khousistan/Baluchistan respectively. The multiplication and on farm trials is coordinated by the Lead Center in consultation with Associate centers. Both LC and ACs are responsible to carry out the front line demonstration for effective extension purpose. The concerned breeder is also responsible for developing the nucleus and foundation seed and also for initially visiting the certified seed producer’s fields. The cooperating centers will be jointly organizing the training programs and contribute efforts for publications. Lead Center is responsible for compilation of annual progress report based on the work carried out at different centers.
This model of organization ensures equal partnership for the all the members of the participating centers whether from research, administration and extension areas. All the research material outcome or products will be shared freely with all the participating institutions but solely be the intellectual property of the Rice Research Institute of Iran under the supervision of AREO and Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture.
b. Integrated hybrid rice breeding program (IHRBP) approach has been initiated for developing improved varieties and hybrids. Concept of IHRBP is quite integrative in nature and brings the scientific staff belonging to different disciplines together in a collaborative manner.
c. National testing program of varieties and hybrids was suggested. During the year 2004 the 18 hybrids were tested across 4 locations. Hybrids performed relatively better than the local checks in all the locations.
d. Rice hybrid release mechanism by way of testing and evaluation is suggested and the similar method must be adopted for varietal release.
e. Rice quality standards was suggested for price fixation. Further, a project is initiated for standardizing rice quality for proper pricing policy for newly released varieties and hybrids.
5. Innovative research strategies initiated
a. Molecular rice breeding strategy to invigorate the Iranian rice gene pool using Hashemi, Khazar and SA13 as recurrent parent and 45 donor parents (Figure 8). The first set of material has reached BC1F1 (seed basis). During the year 2005, the second backcross wil be made between BC1F1 and respective recurrent parent (RP). By this approach the introgression lines (ILs) will be developed by 2007 and will be utilized for mapping important traits, screening and development of improved varieties and parental lines for hybrid rice breeding program.
b.Parental line improvement in hybrid breeding through random mating composite populations (RMCP) approach for early and late maturing restorer and maintainer lines (a project initiated). Reconstitution of RMCP will be carried out matching Iranian conditions for quality and duration.
c.Two line hybrid rice technology will be initiated with the help of PTGMS & TGMS lines which will be suitable for Iranian conditions. The hybrid rice seed production will be carried out in South Iran for catering the hybrid seed requirements of the northern provinces i.e. Guilan and Mazandran. While the PTGMS self seed multiplication will be carried out in Northern provinces with relatively cooler climatic conditions. This will be test verified in the coming seasons of the years 2005-2009.
6. Research achievements made during this two year period
a. The most potential hybrid GRH1(Guilan Rice Hybrid 1) was identified (Table 5) and verified in On farm trials carried out in 6 locations in farmers field over the last two years and in all locations the hybrid performance was impressive and the farmers were ready to accept this hybrid. Field inspections were made at flowering and harvest. One of the farmers had also used this hybrid for home consumption and found it better than improved variety Khazar in taste and palatability. At Shakofe farmer’s field in Abkenar, Anzali 13.0 tonnes/ha was achieved in the year 2004 and also received prize from the honourable President of Iran. However, the hard work behind this farmer’s success must be given due credit to the hybrid rice research team of Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht. During the year 2005, 14 ha of this hybrid will be deployed for the first time.
CMS multiplication, hybrid seed production and hybrid deployment for the identified hybrids like GRH1 can be increased systematically following the Table 6 for covering an area of 0.2 million ha by 2010 to achieve self sufficiency for Iran. During 2004 the nucleus seed of CMS line IR58025A multiplication for 40 kg was achieved
d. The 126 testcrosses that were made in 2003 were planted in 2004 for studying the level of restoration for identifying as many as 22 restorers and 15 maintainer lines.
e. Large scale hybrid rice seed production in 1500 sq m was carried out for IR58025A/IR42686R and produced 0.65 t /ha. The reason for lower hybrid seed yield was attributed to delayed transplanting of cold injured 45 days old seedlings used; no GA spray was given, and rainfall during flowering time. However, the parental lines were made to synchronize with the help of 2% DAP spray on the male parent. During 2004, the proper flowering synchrony was achieved and as much as 1.2 t/ha of seed was produced. This happens to be the highest seed yield so far achieved in Iran and was twice the amount as achieved in the previous year 2003. The reason for higher yield was proper flowering synchrony and better supplementary pollination by the way of flag leaf clipping and tripping by rope pulling. This yield was achieved without GA application. However, if GA is applied at 5% flowering, the seed yields of more than 2.0 tonnes/ha can be easily achieved.
f. In 2003, International Rice Hybrid Observation Nursery (IRHON) was conducted with 22 rice hybrids with six improved and international checks at RRII Rasht and Amol in a randomized block design with 3 replications. Amongst them the best performing hybrids that exceeded by more than 1.5 tonnes over Khazar (3.6t/ha) were IR80117H (5.9 t/ha), IR80127H (5.3t/ha) and IR76708H (5.2t/ha). This trial clearly demonstrated the performance of the rice hybrids over conventionally bred improved varieties. However, in 2004 the IRHON was conducted in augmented design with 6 check varieties along with our check hybrid GRH1. Interestingly we identified four hybrids with >0.5 tonnes /ha over GRH 1 but only one hybrid IR80622H matched the cooking quality of GRH1 (Table 9).
g.During the year 2004, 10 CMS and their respective B lines were characterized for their floral and agro-morphological traits. Amongst them the most promising CMS lines were SA15A, NematA and IR68902A that showed longer stigma length and width with better panicle exertion. Significant differences were observed between A and B lines for anther length, width and panicle exertion.
h.Alternative for GA was identified from a locally available plant source and its crude alcohol extract (designated as NJ) were used in 5 doses i.e. 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 %. Results showed 25% dose was effective one. However, this indicated less GA content to be in the crude extract and still higher dosage must be tried before making proper conclusions. Proper GA 3 content needs to be estimated in the crude extract.
i.Domsiah dwarf mutants were test crossed for conversion into CMS lines based on their desirable out crossing traits. And the same mutants have been intercrossed for improving their grain quality in relation to Domsiah parent. During 2004, the 9 F1’s of the testcrosses with Domsiah were raised and 8 of them were found to maintainers. Interestingly, one mutant was found to be a restorer. However, this needs to be verified by a re-testcross. Mapping of this new source of Rf gene will be carried out during 2005.
j. Nitrogen management in hybrid rice was standardized using a Leaf Colour Chart(LCC) for the first time in Iran alongwith a SPAD meter(chlorophyll meter). GRH1 and Khazar required a LCC reading of 4 (SPAD 38 reading) while Hashemi (light green variety) required a LCC reading of 3.0 (SPAD 35 reading). This tool helped us to save 25 kg of Nitrogen in Hashemi with on par yields. However, increased yields were observed for hybrid GRH1 (1.7 tonne more than recommended N plot) with addition of 31 kg N fertilizer. While only 0.6 tonne/ha increased yield over recommended N plot was observed for Khazar with additional use of just 4.4 kg N fertilizer (Table 10). Besides this 115 persons were trained in LCC tool for the first time in Iran during three training programs. This will be saving the farmers of N fertilizers and at the same time can reduce losses due to lodging and blast incidence.
k. Comparative economic analysis for hybrid rice seed production between adopting manual and mechanized operations were carried out with estimated costs. The results showed an advantage of 20.4 % by adopting mechanization over labour (Table 11). The return to cost ratio for manual was 1.23 while for mechanized operations it was 1.46 (Table 12 and 13). And still it is not a profitable venture in comparison to certified seed production of improved varieties. And the price of hybrid seed needs to be placed between 2.5 to 3.0 USD/ kg for making it attractive for the cooperatives or private enterprises to enter into this small market of only 4000 ha of seed business for deploying in 0.2 million ha of hybrid rice especially in the beginning stage due to poor experience in seed production. However, after experience and proper training if the yields of the seed production increases to more than 2.5 tonnes/ha the cost of the seed can be reduced to 1.5 to 2.0 USD/kg. Comparative table of seed yield and profit obtained is presented in table 13.
Cost of cultivation of hybrid rice is not much different except for the increased N fertilizer of 31kg /ha (cost 3.0 USD) using LCC against recommended of 80kg N /ha for varieties and traditional landraces. The seed rate of hybrid rice is 20kg/ha against 40-45kg/ha for variety and 60kg for traditional landraces (farmer’s practice). If the
hybrid rice is priced at 17000 Rial (2USD) per kg than the cost is 40USD/ha against varietal seed @1 USD per kg which amounts to same 40 to 45 USD. Keeping the paddy production cost to 10 million Rial per ha we tried to estimate the profit, the farmer will be making by cultivating hybrid rice in place of popular land race, Hashemi and improved variety, Khazar (by fixing the selling price per unit equal to that of Khazar). GRH1 gives 23.1% benefit to the farmer over cultivation of Khazar and 19.2% over Hashemi (Table14). However, the GRH1 is much better in cooking quality and % head rice recovery as compared to than Khazar in the market. In addition to this efforts are underway to carry out market intelligence to find an appropriate price for this hybrid.
The anthers of the best hybrid combination were plated in N6 and L8 medium as many as 2100 and 1800 respectively but recorded a very low callusing efficiency in the range of 0.002 to 0.003%. A total of 6 callus from N6 and 4 from L8 medium were transferred to regeneration medium to only obtain 19 shoot regenerants. Interestingly all of them were albinos and could not be rescued.
Understanding the problem we tried to modify the standard N6 media by replacing the carbon source sucrose with maltose 45 mg. And we improved the callusing efficiency up to 3.86% for GRH1 during the year 2004 from 0.003%. Further efforts are underway to standardize the media and pre-treatment of the explants to increase the callusing and regeneration efficiency.
l. Off season nursery at Nikshahr was identified after studying the past 10 year agro- meteorological data (maximum and minimum temperature, sunshine hours, relative humidity) of all the important places representing different climatic zones of Iran. Amongst the three short listed places i.e. Chabahar, Nikshahr, Bahukalat based on the agro meteorological data, the places near Nikshahr (Latitude 26o 13’N, Longitude 60o 12’E) (i.e Ludiani, Qasrkhand, Hichan) appears to be quite promising based on the strong local support staff, mobility, plastic green house facility, farmer enthusiasm and local accommodation. Technical support of Mr Pirbaksh Danish, Head, Jihad-e-Agriculture Management of Nikshahr and Mr Habib Raiesi, Deputy Head, Jihad-e-Agriculture Management of Nikshahr whom we have identified as our local collaborators for carrying out the task of raising the off-season rice-breeding nursery and its management. However, two scientists (a plant breeder and an agronomist) must be permanently placed there to handle the research material for generation advancement of research material each year. During the second season they must be able to multiply breeder seed for select varieties suitable for south Iran. They must be also involved in training the local farmers in South Iran for better rice production technologies.
m.Recommendations for improving the rice farming in Sistan –Baluchistan province to sustainable levels:
i.Entire source nursery of improved and advance lines will be screened during their normal seasons starting in the months of January and June for identifying suitable high yielding varietal replacements.
ii. Large scale maintenance seed plots for multiplication of male sterile line (A x B) can be attempted in this province during January sown crop. While the A x R seed production can be made in Guilan & Mazandran province in April-May sown crop.
iii. Large scale A x R seed production plots for production of F1 hybrids can be also attempted in this province for their use in Guilan and Mazandran province since the rice area is less and more space isolation is there for enhancing seed purity.
iv. In other words, lookout for a possibility of making these farmers as seed growers & producers in the long term strategy for improving their livelihood (ii & iii).
v.Training to farmers on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated nutrient management and use of Leaf colour chart (LCC) and other effective methods to reduce the cost of cultivation of rice will be given through provincial agricultural organization.
7.Germplasm invigoration
Efforts were made to invigorate the relatively less diverse Iranian rice germplasm as the first step towards improvement. Relatively controlled introgression into elite traditional backgrounds of Hashemi, improved varietal backgrounds of Khazar can be extremely useful without compromising on their quality. Easy deployment of these improved useful introgressions and their consequent utilization in hybrid breeding program.
a. Lines that were introduced or developed by me from IRRI, Philippines & elsewhere is with the RRII, Rasht & Amol for research use
i. Six new CMS & maintainer lines.
ii. 17 new long slender grain type rice hybrids introduced.
iii. 20 new medium slender to long slender grain type restorers introduced.
iv. 6 new long slender grain type TGMS lines introduced.
v. 2805 molecular bred advance generation (F6-F9) elite lines developed by me at IRRI, Philippines were introduced.
b. Invigoration of the Iranian rice gene pool through molecular breeding program: Introgression lines is being developed in the recurrent parental background of Khazar, Hashemi and SA13 by crossing them with 45 donor parents (comprising elite and traditional land races). Under this program genes will be introgressed from 45 donors into Hashemi and Khazar (maintainer backgrounds) and into SA13 (restorer backgrounds). By BC3F1 generation, a large number of selective introgressions will be developed that will be invigorating the Iranian germplasm (figure 8). These improved ILs will be utilized directly after fixing them and for molecular mapping of various traits.
. Major out come of the hybrid rice program during this two year period
(i) Commercial planting of three line hybrid GRH1 in 14 ha in Guilan and Mazandran province. The same hybrid also won the national rice crop yield competition with impressive 13 tonnes/ha at Shakofe farm and received the prize from the Honourable President of Iran. However, it is requested to give due recognition to the hybrid rice team for this enormous feat primarily to boost the morale of the scientists working together.
(ii) Identified 5 promising second generation hybrids with one tonne/ha more yield and good in cooking quality.
(iii) Two early duration hybrids (<120days) identified as AT 2 and 4 were three weeks earlier to GRH1.
(iv) Identified improved parental lines (A and R) for development and exploitation of more heterotic hybrids of desirable grain quality and disease /insect resistance.
(v) Hybrid rice cultivation package of practices were developed from nursery bed to harvest. And LCC technology for hybrid rice GRH1 was standardized for the first time in Iran that increased N-use efficiency.
(vi) A robust efficient and economic hybrid rice seed production package was developed to give yields up to 1.2 tonnes/ha without GA application.
(vii) Six usable PTGMS and TGMS lines were identified that showed complete sterility during the rice cropping season at Rasht, indicating them to possess low critical sterility point (CSP). Amongst them the most promising line was used for making six crosses for developing two line hybrids and will be tested in 2005 cropping season.
(viii) Rigorously trained manpower sufficiently large to handle hybrid breeding and hybrid seed production within the Institute and extension agents is now made available.
(ix) Introduction of cooperatives for participating in the exploitation of hybrid rice seed production has been suggested and efforts will be made subsequently to utilize them.
(x) A large farming community had been made aware of the potential of hybrid rice technology in Iran. A field day organized at the Shakofe farm added much required impetus to this aspect.
(xi) A molecular breeding program fused with hybrid rice program to generate a strong source nursery had been initiated and will be available by 2009 for further exploitation of heterosis. By this approach we will be also mapping key traits and pyramid them for their use in the hybrid breeding program.
(xii) A strong hybrid rice research team has been properly identified and sub-projects to address several issues in hybrid rice research was submitted for sustained exploitation of hybrid technology.
11. Key Recommendations & Suggestions for Hybrid Rice Research
i) Hybrid rice technology is the only viable option for achieving self sufficiency in rice production while keeping a equitable balance in the adoption area of hybrids and varieties vis -a-vis to traditional landraces. (0.2 million ha each).
ii) Two options to be viewed under WTO
► Developing exporting channels for premium ‘Sadri rices’ to US, Canada, & Europe.
► Look out for exploiting hybrid rice seed business with neighbouring
countries like Pakistan, Turkey and Iraq after successful establishment in Iran.
iii) Establishment of an off-season nursery at Nikshahr with proper infrastructure and a minimum of two scientists (one plant breeder and an agronomist) are necessary for making realistic progress in rice research.
iv) Maintain a minimum core group of scientific staff for conducting hybrid rice research. A minimum of four M.Sc (Plant breeding) qualified staff is essentially required for RRII, Rasht & Amol. This can be achieved either by transfer of staff from other institutes or recruitment.
v) Prioritize the hybrid rice research needs within the institute since this is likely to give the required immediate impact on rice production in the country.
vi) Team work spirit is totally lacking in the institute and projects without any teamwork should not be promoted. Publications in refereed journals and international symposiums must be encouraged especially derived from their research projects. In other words, the scientist should be able to publish his research findings at the end of his/her research project work.
vii) Integrated rice breeding program involving conventional, dihaploid, hybrid and molecular breeding approaches as a new research model has been laid out in the Dept of Plant Breeding, RRII but requires proper financial support.
viii) Pricing policy based on grain and cooking quality must be standardized and emphasized in policy circles. It must be the yardstick for proper pricing of newly released hybrids and varieties nationwide.
ix) National rice testing program of newly developed inbred lines, hybrids, introduced varieties, cultures and hybrids must become a routine before any release proposals are made utilizing them.
12. Rice research priorities & strategies for making Iran self-sufficient in its rice production
• Fundamental shift from commodity based rice research to an ecological, economically and socially sustainable rice farming systems approach.
• Rice extension research wing should be incorporated into rice research institute for bridging the gap between the extension and research by carrying out linking research activites with a wide range of clients eg. Farmers, extension agents, bankers, NGOs, etc.
• Establishment of Off-season nursery in Nikshahr, Sistan Baluchistan with proper facilities and mobility.
• Inter-institutional joint research activities on advance areas of rice research eg. Molecular breeding, biotechnology (ABRII), economics (Agricultural Economic Research Institute (AERI).
•Establishment of farm science schools or centers in select areas where the yield gap is large with the help of provincial extension system with time bound action plan for delivery of products.
• Proper census of rice area, production and productivity information to be secured carefully for making proper projection plans for future.
• Driving hybrid rice technology on a strong footing with time bound action plan for securing self sufficiency in rice production by the way of development medium quality dwarf hybrids. Further, development of superior quality high yielding rice hybrids on a long term basis.
•Adopt means for securing the livelihoods of rice farmers and making rice farming a profitable venture.
•Exploring the prospects of taking additional crop - short duration green manure/oilseed eg.B.napus/ pulse crops/berseem/ragi (Eluesine coracana)
•Efforts to make availability of high quality seeds of improved varieties, hybrids, and also genetically purified traditional landraces.
•Extending cost reduction technologies like the leaf colour chart (LCC), Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Crop Management (ICM) skills to farmers, extension agents.
•Narrowing down the yield gap- based on yield gap analysis and correcting the yield destabilizing factors
• Expansion of rice area in a balanced manner between high yielding varieties, hybrids and traditional landraces each comprising to 0.2 million ha.
• Aggressive breeding programme for improving the yield level of traditional rice varieties without compromising on quality
•Adoption of Integrated crop management package for economizing water and nutrient
• A National Rice Testing Programme in a well represented different rice growing conditions in Iran for release of high yielding adaptable and also location specific varieties.
• Special package for enhancing rice production and productivity in other provinces other than Guilan and Mazandran by taking specific measures.
• Diversification of rice by- products for enhancing rice farm incomes.
• Draw a specific approach plan for WTO pertaining to rice to protect the interests of the rice farmers of Islamic Republic of Iran.
هدف این وبلاگ انتشار تجربیات علمی خارج از سطح دانشجویی و دانشگاهی است، بنابراین فقط به انتشار مقالات محققین و کشاورزان و تکنسین های دارای تجربه علمی بالا، اقدام خواهد شد. در مورد کشاورزان به سطح سواد و مدارک تحصیلی آن ها توجه ندارد، بلکه تجربه ای که به دست آورده اند را می توانند برای انتشار ارسال فرمایند. فرزندان کشاورزان می توانند تجارب پدرانشان را درصورت مهم بودن ارسال نمایند. نوشته بایستی حتما در برنامه word تایپ شود و از طریق آدرسrashtrice@gmail.com ارسال گردد. توجه : در بررسی دقت زیادی خواهد شد تا جنبه کاربردی داشته باشد.