Breakthrough in hybrid rice research achieved

Better and more productive times now await the country’s fast-expanding hybrid rice industry.

Auguring well for this optimistic outlook is a headway achieved in hybrid rice research chalked up by a scientific study done with the support of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

The study, titled "Marker-aided selection for bacterial blight resistance genes and against fertility restoring genes in Mestizo hybrid rice (Oryzae sativa L.) maintainer and cytoplasmic male sterile lines", was conducted by Joan Marie Agarcio, PhilRice senior science research specialist.

The study was Agarcio’s thesis for her Master of Science in Genetics at UP Los Baños where she earned her MS degree in 2005 as a DA-BAR scholar.

For some time, PhilRice and IRRI have faced some challenges in promoting the Mestizo hybrid variety because of its susceptibility to bacterial leaf blight (BLB), a destructive rice disease caused by a bacteria (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryxae (Xoo).

LB has hitherto posed threats to the success of hybrid rice seed production.

But Agarcio’s research work could change this as she was able to introduce genes into Mestizo parentals that confer resistance on bacterial plant.

The study earned for the young and promising researcher the 2005 Best Master of Science Thesis Award (Biotechnology category) given by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCASTRD).

PCASTRD has cited the thesis for its "imminent impact on hybrid rice farmers."

Results of the ongoing research have been discussed in international, regional, and national conferences where Agarcio was invited to present her study’s findings.

Agarcio told this writer that the study is expected to be completed this year. – Rudy A. Fernandez