PhilRice identifies flood-tolerant rice varieties

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Philippines – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has identified six rice varieties that can withstand up to two weeks of submergence in floodwater.

Norvie Manigbas, head of the PhilRice’s plant breeding and biotechnology division, said these varieties are PSB Rc14, Rc68, NSIC Rc9, Rc222, PSB Rc18 and NSIC Rc194.

Manigbas said PSB Rc14, Rc68, NSIC Rc9 and Rc222 also have strong stems that can endure strong winds.

He said farmers should reduce fertilizer application on these varieties as well as practice synchronous planting in rain-fed conditions to reduce incidence of pests and diseases.

Manigbas said preparation of under-irrigated areas should be done at the onset of the rainy season so that the fields are soaked in water. Levees and dikes should be repaired to avoid water loss, he added.