Varietal improvement programme for pluvial rice in francophone Africa

This paper summarizes the work of IRAT, in collaboration with national institutes, on the improvement of pluvial (upland) rice in francophone Africa. The topics discussed are genetic resources, selection criteria, breeding methodology, culture of haploids (androgenesis) and drought tolerance. Historically, the National institute for the development of the Congo (INEAC, Zaire) began collecting rice ecotypes in 1933. This resulted in the release of varieties such as R 66 and OS 6. They came from crosses between local varieties and introductions from India, Malagasy and other countries. They remain widely distributed and useful varieties for pluvial rice throughout tropical Africa. Research on pluvial rice in Casamance, Senegal commenced in the 1950's. Varieties such as 617A were developed from Malagasy stock while other suitable varieties, such as Iguape Cateto from Brazil, were introduced and distributed. IRAT has assumed responsibility for rice research in Senegal since 1960. Prior to 1966, rice research in the Ivory Coast was conducted by the Ministry of agricultural research. Several useful varieties, including Moroberekan, were released. Subsequently, work on pluvial rice was assigned to IRAT. There was some opposition to pluvial rice because it was alleged that its cultivation resulted in soil deterioration. However, considering the topography and the available land in the Ivor y Coast, rice cultivation could be extended into regions where pluvial rice was the only possibility.

Bibliographic Details

Main Author:	Jacquot, Michel
Format:	conference_item biblioteca
Language:	eng
Published:	CAB International
Online Access:	http://agritrop.cirad.fr/607256/ http://agritrop.cirad.fr/607256/1/ID607256.pdf
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