Evaluation of Yield, Reaction to Diseases, and Grain Physical Attributes of Some Introduced Rice Hybrids in Ghana

Abstract

Hybrid rice technology is one of the promising, sustainable, and proven technologies for increasing rice production and productivity with a yield advantage of 15–30% over modern inbred varieties. The potential of hybrid rice has so far not been exploited in Ghana. This study was undertaken to evaluate the yield potential, reaction to diseases, and physical grain attributes of some introduced hybrids. The trials were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates across three locations. Data were taken on grain yield, yield components, reaction to diseases, and grain physical characteristics. Four promising hybrids (SWARNA 2, ARGH 1501, ARGH 1502, and ARGH 1503) with a mean yield advantage of 15–20.8% over the best inbred check “AgraRice” were identified. With few exceptions, the hybrids were broadly adapted and had adequate resistance to blast and bacterial leaf blight. Most of the test hybrids had long slender grains which make them acceptable to the Ghanaian market but lacked aroma.

Inhibition of root growth as mode of action of two rice yellow mottle virus pathotypes isolated in Mali

“…Contrary, to succeptible rice lines, in the presence of these two types of RYMV the rice genotypes SK20-28 and Sim-simadel showed no significant inhibition in root growth. Abebrese et al (2019) indicated that some rice hybrids decrease the incidence of the RYMV disease and improve rice yield. So, they recommaded the introduction of these rice hybrids.…”

“…Despite the production losses, socio-economic impacts are caused by the disease across Africa, and the everincreasing resistance breakdown (Sereme et al, 2016); research activities continue mainly in the search for resistant varieties (Ndjiondjop et al, 1999;Albar et al, 2006;Thiémélé et al, 2010;Suvi et al, 2018), and few studies have been conducted to study how the virus affects the growth of the different parts of the plant to impact its production (Opalka et al, 1998;Abebrese et al, 2019).…”

Hybrid Rice in Africa: Progress, Prospects, and Challenges

“…The main tenet of hybrid rice technology is to employ the phenomenon of heterosis to out yield the available inbred semi-dwarf varieties. A yield advantage range of 15-20% over available inbred checks reported in other parts of the world has also been recorded in Africa [15,24,25,28]. Scaling up and promoting adopting of these hybrids, will contribute to food security in general on the African continent.…”

“…Other National Agricultural Research systems (NARs) in collaboration with multi-national and local private seed companies also initiate their own in-country hybrid rice development and commercialization endeavor. For instance, NARS in Ghana in collaboration with international and local private seed companies (WIENCO, ADVANTA and SEED CO.) have conducted studies into farmer preferred traits and potential for adoption of hybrid rice [27] in Ghana, evaluated introduced rice hybrids for yield, rection to disease and grain quality attributes [28]. A study has also been conducted to identify CMS maintainers and restorers for local hybrid rice development [29].…”

Farmer Preferred Traits and Potential for Adoption of Hybrid Rice in Ghana

“…Majority of the farmers as a result were expecting a minimum of 50% yield advantage over their currently grown variety to guarantee adoption of hybrid varieties. This expected yield advantage is quite huge since a yield advantage of 15-20% is currently possible (Abebrese et al, 2019;El-namaky & Demont, 2013;IRRI, 1997). Thus, the realizable yield advantage of hybrids will be a major determinant for adoption.…”