Rice breeding - accomplishments and challenges

Abstract

With special reference to work at IRRI, an overview is given of the major advances that have taken place in rice breeding during the last 25 years. These include the development of varieties with increased yield potential, shorter growth duration, multiple disease and pest resistance, improved grain quality, tolerance of abiotic stresses and a combination of desirable traits. The impact of these new varieties has been to increase world rice production by 82% over the period 1965-85, provide exportable surpluses to countries previously importing rice, and reduce rice prices to the consumer. The new varieties are now grown on about 65% of the world's ricelands. Future goals are seen as increasing yield potential and stability and developing genotypes for more unfavourable environments.