Heirloom Rices a Repertoire of Genetic Wealth
Published: Oct 30, 2019
Photo: Prasad
Heirloom rice varieties are embedded in the social, cultural and religious lives of many Asian societies due to their unique features and medicinal and nutritional virtues.
Abstract: With 3000 genomes of rice varieties now sequenced, plant breeders are identifying new genes for traits such as better grain quality, yield, nutrition and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Working with partners, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) at IRRI-SARC are prioritising this research.
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