GRDB FL 15: A New Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Variety Released for Commercial Cultivation in Guyana

Abstract

Varieties determine the ultimate quantity and quality of produce.  It acts not only as a carrier of technology but also sets upper limits of productivity, as built into its genetic architecture, the upper limit. The prime objective of the local rice breeding program is to develop varieties superior to the existing ones in terms of yield, tolerance to lodging, and excellent milling and cooking characteristics. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the performance of a new rice genotype against one of the most dominant cultivated varieties in Guyana. As such, On-Farm trials were conducted with candidate variety FG12-49 (new rice genotype) in 27 farmers’ fields/locations across the major rice-growing regions of Guyana during the second crop 2017 and first crop 2018 on plot size of 225m2 and 0.4 – 2.02 ha (1-5 acres) respectively. This new genotype has conclusively demonstrated better: yield ability, tillering ability vigour, tolerance to lodging, stronger and thicker culms, slower leaf senescence, and more grains per panicle than the popular check rice variety GRDB FL 10. Data obtained showed that genotype FG 12-49 recorded a higher average grain yield and head rice recovery from paddy when compared to GRDB FL 10 in both cropping seasons: 2017- FL 12-49; 7299.0 kg/ha, GRDB FL 10; 6473.1 kg/ha with HRR% of 72.7% and 61.3% respectively; 2018 FL 12-49; 7249.1 kg/ha, GRDB FL 10; 6277.4 kg/ha with HRR% of 62.5% and 51.3% respectively. Genotype FG 12-49 was recommended for release countrywide for commercial cultivation as New Variety "GRDB FL 15".