Indigenous Rice Research Articles

EKSPLORASI KERAGAMAN PLASMA NUTFAH PADI LOKAL KUANTAN SINGINGI BERDASARKAN MORFOLOGI GABAH DAN BERAS

Farmers in specific region can play a crucial role in preventing the extinction of rare rice varieties by maintaining their commitment to local rice production. This not only contributes to the economic stability of the community but also necessitates exploration efforts to identify and gather specific plant species at risk of extinction. This study employs a descriptive research design to identify, gather, and compare the relationships between local rice genotypes in the Kuantan Singingi regency. The survey method utilizes a planned sample of rice seeds.The exploration process involves observing geographic coordinate locations, collecting local rice seeds, and examining grain and rice morphology based on Bioversity International, IRRI, and WARDA standards from 2007. The Kuantan River, with an altitude ranging from 28.95 to 61.56 meters above sea level, is prone to frequent flooding. A morphological study of grains reveals that, out of 26 local rice genotypes, one pair exhibits the highest similarity rate of 71% when compared to more diverse types. Notably, the white sironda rice from Pulau Madina village in Kuantan Hilir district and pandan wangi rice from Pauh Angit village in Pangean district are identified as the most identical genotypes. By identifying and preserving unique and highly-potential indigenous rice genotypes, this research significantly contributes to the enhancement of food stability, rural economy, and genetic resilience of rice plasma in Indonesia.

Comparative stress physiological analysis of indigenous rice cultivars of Eastern Himalayan Region under elevated temperature of changing climate

Comparative stress physiological analysis of indigenous rice cultivars of Eastern Himalayan Region under elevated temperature of changing climate

Enhanced Gene Expression in the Biosynthetic Pathway of 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline in “Hom Bon” Fragrant Native Rice in Response to Varied Light Wavelength Conditions

The development of the Automated Agricultural Cabinet (AAC) prototype was driven by the goal of improving the aromatic qualities of locally grown rice. This compact prototype, designed with attention, employed Arduino programming to investigate genes related to the production of aromatic compounds in rice seedlings under different light conditions, including red, blue and white light. To ensure the reliability of experiments, a controlled environment was maintained at 25 °C and 75 % humidity, and rigorous testing confirmed precise light intensity measurements within the AAC. Results indicated specific light values: 9.25 ± 0.602 for red light, 11.47 ± 0.055 for blue light and 0.91 ± 0.027 µmol·m−²·s−¹ for white light. The study focused on up-regulated genes in 7-day-old ‘Hom Bon’ rice seedlings, revealing a significant increase in P5CS and 1Δ-pyrroline gene expression. These genes are crucial in the biosynthesis pathway of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP), with P5CS acting as a precursor and 1Δ-pyrroline as the final step. Interestingly, the study discovered that when 7-day-old ‘Hom Bon’ rice seedlings were exposed to both red and blue light, gene expression rose dramatically, contrasting when exposed to white light. This finding demonstrates that the wavelength of light exposure influences gene expression in the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthetic pathway of ‘Hom Bon’ rice seedlings throughout the 7-day growth stage. This study demonstrates the feasibility of improving the smell of indigenous rice varieties by changing pre-planting light conditions, giving a promising avenue for increased commercial appeal. Furthermore, this project aims to improve the local community’s financial well-being by supporting better farming methods. HIGHLIGHTS The Automated Agricultural Cabinet (AAC) prototype has the capability to select the optimal light wavelength, inducing the up-regulation of genes associated with the 2-AP biosynthetic pathway in “Hom Bon” a fragrant native rice variety In the fragrant native rice variety “Hom Bon” the up-regulated gene in the direct 2-AP pathway, P5CS, exhibited an expression level that was twice as high as that of the housekeeping gene The red and blue wavelengths directly elevated the expression of up-regulated genes associated with the 2-AP biosynthetic pathway GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Comprehensive studies reveal physiological and genetic diversity in traditional rice cultivars for UV-B sensitivity

Acclimation to crop niches for thousands of years has made indigenous rice cultivars better suited for stress-prone environments. Still, their response to UV-B resiliency is unknown. 38 rice landraces were grown in cemented pots in a randomised block design with three replicates under open field conditions in Sambalpur University in the wet season of 2022. Half of the plants in each of the cultivars were administered UV-B radiation at the panicle emergence stage in an adjustable UV-B chamber permitting sunlight, and the effects of the stress on various morpho-physiological features, such as spikelet sterility, flag leaf photosynthetic and flavonoid pigment contents, and lipid peroxidation activities, were estimated for calibration of stress resistance. The experiment identified Swarnaprabha and Lalkain as the most sensitive and resilient to stress respectively, and the differential response between them was further revealed in the expression of genes related to UV-B sensitivity. Subject to the stress, Swarnaprabha exhibited symptoms of injuries, like leaf burns, and a higher loss of various photosynthetic parameters, such as pigment contents, SPAD and Fv/Fm, ETR and qP values, while NPQ increased only in Lalkain. Exposure to UV-B increased the total phenolic and flavonoid contents in Lalkain while depressing them in Swarnaprabha. Such an effect amounted to a higher release of fluorescent energy in the latter. The levels of expression of gene families controlling flavonoid activation and UV-B signal transduction, such as OsWRKY, OsUGT, OsRLCK, OsBZIP, OsGLP, and CPD photolyase were similar in both the cultivars in the control condition. However, exposure to UV-B stress overexpressed them in resilient cultivars only. The magnitude of expression of the genes and the impact of the stress on photosynthetic parameters, phenolic compounds and pubescent hair structure at the panicle emergence stage could be valid indicators among indigenous rice for UV-B tolerance.

Volatile compounds characteristics of several Indonesian indigenous rice varieties

Abstract Information on the volatile compounds of scented/aromatic rice is crucial for plant breeders and food chemists in developing the rice varieties. One of the major hurdles in the improvement of aromatic rice through breeding in Indonesia is the lack of quantitative assay of volatile compounds. The objectives of the study were to characterize and identify volatile compounds that contribute to the flavor of aromatic rice. Twenty rice varieties were collected from four provinces in Indonesia, consisting of five varieties from North Sumatera, three varieties from South Sumatera, eight varieties from East Java, and four varieties from South Kalimantan. The rice volatile compounds were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and then analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The GCMS analysis identified 94 volatile compounds from 8 compound classes, namely aldehydes (14 compounds), alcohols (20 compounds), ketones (15 compunds), benzenes (16 compounds), esters (15 compounds), acids (3 compounds), terpenes/mono+sesquiterpen (7 compounds), and aliphatic hydrocarbons (4 compounds). Mentik Wangi variety from East Java Province had the highest aroma impact compound of aromatic rice (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline), followed by Siudang and Pandanwangi varieties (East Java). Another rice flavor compound, hexanal, that contributed to the unpleasant odor of rice (green or grass-like odor), was also found in Kuku Balam variety (North Sumatera) with the highest concentration among others. It was followed by Seluang variety (South Sumatera) and Cantik Manis variety (North Sumatera). There were five varieties, namely Pandan Wangi, Cantik Manis, Siudang, Serendah, and Mentik Wangi, can be used as the parent for improving aromatic rice variety.

Nutritional profiling and in silico analysis of pharmacological activities from local rice Pulu Mandoti fermented with Pleurotus spp.

Pulu Mandoti, a local red rice (Oryza sativa L.) variety popular among Sulawesi residents, has gained recognition for its perceived health benefits, especially as a preferred dietary option for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to prevent obesity. Given the increasing consumption of mushrooms, particularly Pleurotus species, renowned for their nutritional and medicinal attributes, this study delves into the transformative effects of Pleurotus spp. fermentation on Pulu Mandoti, the indigenous rice variety. Proximate analysis disclosed elevated dry matter (91.99 ± 0.61%), crude protein (8.55 ± 0.15%), and crude fat (1.34 ± 0.05%) in Pleurotus cystidiosus fermentation compared to Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus djamor. Concurrently, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities were notably improved in all Pleurotus fermentations. Pulu Mandoti fermented with P. cystidiosus outperformed other treatments, aligning with molecular docking results pinpointing 11-Eicosenoic acid, methyl ester, and butylated hydroxytoluene as optimal interactors with antioxidant receptors 5O0x and 2CKJ. Butylated hydroxytoluene demonstrated interactions with the antidiabetic receptor 2QV4, along with 9-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester. These compounds, previously unreported in Pleurotus, displayed promising attributes as antioxidants and antidiabetic agents. Furthermore, the investigation delved into the fatty acid profiles, emphasizing the diverse range of potential bioactive compounds in fermented Pulu Mandoti. The findings of this research present a potential functional food rich in natural antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds, highlighting the yet undiscovered capabilities of Pleurotus spp. fermentation in augmenting the nutritional composition and bioactivity of indigenous rice varieties, specifically Pulu Mandoti.

Bioactive metabolites, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of fermented local rice (Pare ambo) by Pleurotus spp.: In-vitro and in-silico approach

Pare ambo, a local black rice variety popular in Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi), is recognized for its health benefits, especially for those managing diabetes or aiming to prevent obesity due to its antioxidant-rich composition. This study explored the impact of Pleurotus spp. Fermentation on pare ambo, examining its nutritional transformation. Proximate analysis indicated higher levels of crude protein (9.67 ± 0.73%), crude fat (3.36 ± 0.84%), and fiber (1.67 ± 0.33%) in P. cystidiosus fermentation compared to P. ostreatus and P. djamor. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities significantly improved in all fermentations at 500 ppm concentration. Pare ambo fermented by all three Pleurotus species contained citric acid and trimethyl ester compounds, displaying superior antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, interacting with antioxidant receptor 5O0x (−7.2 kcal/mol) and antidiabetic receptor 3w37 (−8.2 kcal/mol) compared to the unfermented sample. Fatty acid profiling identified 32 compounds, predominantly FAMEs with ester groups. Pleurotus cystidiosus and P. djamor fermentations contributed 20 compounds, while P. ostreatus contributed 18 compounds. Prominent interactions were visualized between naphthalene, and decahydro-2,6-dimethyl, with 5O0x and 3w37. Anthocyanins were detected through HPLC separation in P. cystidiosus and P. ostreatus fermentation outputs. This study shows pare ambo as a promising functional food, abundant in natural antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds, highlighting the potential of Pleurotus spp. Fermentation to enhance the nutritional profile and bioactivity of indigenous rice varieties.

Incorporation of Photoperiod Insensitivity and High-Yield Genes into an Indigenous Rice Variety from Myanmar, Paw San Hmwe

Paw San Hmwe (PSH) is an indigenous rice variety from Myanmar with a good taste, a pleasant fragrance, and excellent elongation ability during cooking. However, its low yield potential and strong photoperiod sensitivity reduce its productivity, and it is vulnerable to climate changes during growth. To improve the photoperiod insensitivity, yield, and plant stature of PSH, the high-yield genes Grain number 1a (Gn1a) and Wealthy Farmer’s Panicle (WFP), together with the photoperiod insensitivity trait, were introgressed into PSH via marker-assisted backcross breeding and phenotype selection. For the photoperiod insensitivity trait, phenotypic selection was performed under long-day conditions during the dry season. After foreground selection of Gn1a and WFP via simple sequence repeat genotyping, genotyping-by-sequencing was conducted to validate the introgression of target genes and determine the recurrent parent genome recovery of the selected lines. The improved lines were insensitive to photoperiod, and the Gn1a and WFP introgression lines showed significantly higher numbers of primary panicle branches and spikelets per panicle than the recurrent parent, with comparative similarity in cooking and eating qualities. This study successfully improved PSH by decreasing its photoperiod sensitivity and introducing high-yield genes via marker-assisted selection. The developed lines can be used for crop rotation and double-season cropping of better-quality rice.

Are capital assets under pressure? The state of and challenges to indigenous rice farming in the cultural ricescapes of Indonesia and the Philippines

Resilient rice farming in indigenous ricescapes is dependent on access to various forms of capital assets; however, the acquisition of these assets is hindered by environmental, industry, demographic, and cultural vulnerabilities. This paper examines the implications of these challenges on natural, physical, financial, human, social, and cultural capital assets for rice farming in the indigenously engineered ricescapes of Bali, Indonesia, and Ifugao, the Philippines. The study used site visits, focus group discussions, and interviews and employed a combined analysis of the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and Bourdieu's theory of capital to explore the interconnected vulnerabilities and their impacts on rice farming to understand the factors that endanger the preservation, cultural integrity, and heritage of these sites. The study shows that similar challenges are present across these ricescapes, including land use changes, erratic weather patterns, and rice market volatility, among others. Additionally, dilemmas regarding cultural and normative directions for development are apparent, while livelihoods vary and are in flux among households due to their discrepant access to capital assets. Therefore, it is crucial to implement governmental, market, and development programs that strengthen rice farmers' access to various types of capital assets to preserve the outstanding universal values of these ricescapes.

Study of Genetic Diversity and Drought-Tolerance Characteristics of Few Rice Varieties Using Morphological and Molecular Markers

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops. Increasing rice production is constrained by various stresses and drought is one of the major limiting factors. For future food security, assessments of genetic resources are necessary. Indigenous varieties contain a high level of genetic diversity and can serve as potential genetic resources for improving yield, and resistance to various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The present investigation was conducted in the Biotech Hub, Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU, Biswanath Chariali during 2022-23. In this study, the genetic diversity of 27 indigenous rice germplasm using SSR markers was assessed. Out of the total 28 SSR markers screened, 17 were found polymorphic across twenty-seven genotypes with PIC values ranging from 0.076 to 0.499. The genetic diversity was estimated by the Jaccard dissimilarity coefficient. The phylogenetic tree, using unweighted neighbor-joining (UPGMA) drawn from the analysis divides 27 genotypes into 3 clusters. Nine genotypes were further characterized by exposure to drought stress compared to the control condition. Plants were grown in PVC pipes and subjected to drought by withdrawing water at 45 days after showing (DAS) for 25 days. A comparative study was done for a few morphophysiological parameters i.e. root length, root biomass, root-shoot ratio, root length density, chlorophyll content etc. It was observed that genotype Dehangi followed by N22 and Shahabhagi showed the best performance for all parameters under drought stress. This information will help in the selection of varieties with better root characteristics for drought tolerance in future breeding programs.

Chemical composition, structural features, and physicochemical properties of starches from Thai indigenous rice varieties

ABSTRACT Thai indigenous rice varieties provide valuable genetic resources due to their environmental resilience, but it is yet to be elucidated whether their endosperm starches are suitable for whole grain consumption or industrial applications. Here, 19 Thai indigenous rice starches were explored for compositional, structural, and physicochemical characteristics. Grain reducing sugar, protein, and amylose contents significantly differed among genotypes. Their starches were categorized as waxy, very low-, and low-amylose starches. The varieties with low-amylose starches displayed higher amylose content but lower crystallinity than the varieties with waxy and very low-amylose starches. The largest median starch granule size (d(0.5)) was also observed in most varieties with low-amylose starches. The starch compositional and structural variations contributed to substantial differences in starch physicochemical properties among these genotypes. The partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed that amylose content, setback, swelling power, reducing sugar, C- and A-type granules, d(0.5), and final viscosity could discriminate the low-amylose starches from the waxy and very low-amylose starches. Notably, correlation analyses revealed that amylose content was the most crucial factor determining starch physicochemical properties of these varieties. Starch compositional, structural, and physicochemical variations among the indigenous rice varieties can be adopted as alternative industrial raw materials and as genetic resources for future breeding programs.

Genetic relatedness of rice landraces in North East India with wild relatives using chloroplast markers

AbstractThe evolutionary relationship between domesticated Oryza species and their wild relatives in North East India is not well understood. To improve the understanding of the evolutionary relationship, this study investigates the genetic diversity of 68 indigenous rice landraces from North East India, ten O. rufipogon genotypes, and nine O. nivara genotypes using chloroplast variable repeat markers which, due to non-recombination and uniparental inheritance, enable better phylogenetic inference. Reference genotypes IR64 (indica) and Nipponbare (japonica) were included to characterize various phylogenetic clusters. Using distance-based hierarchical clustering, model-based structuring and principal component analysis, selected landraces from the three North Eastern Indian states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh were grouped into two phylogenetically different clusters that represented the IR64 and Nipponbare groupings. Interestingly, despite the fact that a cluster analysis combining North East landraces and wild relatives likewise produced two separate clusters (cluster I: Nipponbare, cluster II: IR64), the majority of the wild relatives were only clustered in the IR64 cluster. This suggests that the two distinct evolutionary histories of the rice landraces in North East India are distinguished by their genetic affinity for wild relatives and their variation in the indica and japonica pools. These results highlight chloroplast divergence influencing the genetic diversity of North East landraces with wild relatives. Further, these findings will enable in-depth studies on the functional significance of chloroplast diversity on trait adaptation in rice landraces.

Nutritional Profiles of Yoom Noon Rice from Royal Initiative of Southern Thailand: A Comparison of White Rice, Brown Rice, and Germinated Brown Rice.

For long-term food sustainability and security, it is crucial to recognize and preserve Indigenous rice varieties and their diversity. Yoom Noon is one of the non-glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties being conserved as part of the Phanang Basin Area Development Project, which is administered by the Royal Initiative of Nakhon Si Thammarat in Southern Thailand. The goal of this research was to compare the nutritional profiles of Yoom Noon white rice, brown rice, and germinated brown rice. The results indicated that carbohydrate content was found to be the most plentiful macronutrient in all processed Yoom Noon rice types, accounting for 67.1 to 81.5% of the total. White rice had the highest carbohydrate content (p < 0.05), followed by brown rice and germinated brown rice. Brown rice had more protein and fat than white rice (p < 0.05). The maximum protein, dietary fiber, and ash content were found in germinated brown rice, followed by brown rice and white rice (p < 0.05). White rice had the highest amylose content, around 24% (p < 0.05), followed by brown rice (22%), and germinated brown rice (20%). Mg levels in all white, brown, and germinated brown rice ranged from 6.59 to 10.59 mg/100 g, which was shown to be the highest among the minerals studied (p < 0.05). Zn (4.10-6.18 mg/100 g) was the second most abundant mineral, followed by Fe (3.45-4.92 mg/100 g), K (2.61-3.81 mg/100 g), Mn (1.20-4.48 mg/100 g), Ca (1.14-1.66 mg/100 g), and Cu (0.16-0.23 mg/100 g). Se was not found in any processed Yoom Noon rice. Overall, brown rice had the highest content of macro- and micronutrients (p < 0.05). In all processed rice, thiamin was found in the highest amount (56-85 mg/100 g), followed by pyridoxine (18-44 g/100 g) and nicotinamide (4-45 g/100 g) (p < 0.05). Riboflavin was not identified in any of the three types of processed Yoom Noon rice. Individual vitamin concentrations varied among processed rice, with germinated brown rice having the highest thiamine content by around 1.5 and 1.3 folds compared to white and brown rice, respectively. The GABA level was the highest in germinated rice (585 mg/kg), which was around three times higher than in brown rice (p < 0.05), whereas GABA was not detectable in white rice. The greatest total extractable flavonoid level was found in brown rice (495 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/100 g), followed by germinated brown rice (232 mg RE/100 g), while white rice had no detectable total extractable flavonoid. Brown rice had the highest phytic acid level (11.2 mg/100 g), which was 1.2 times higher than germinated brown rice (p < 0.05). However, phytic acid was not detected in white rice. White rice (10.25 mg/100 g) and brown rice (10.04 mg/100 g) had the highest non-significant rapidly available glucose (RAG) values, while germinated brown rice had the lowest (5.33 mg/100 g). In contrast, germinated brown rice had the highest slowly available glucose (SAG) value (9.19 mg/100 g), followed by brown rice (3.58 mg/100 g) and white rice (1.61 mg/100 g) (p < 0.05).

Plant growth-promoting traits and activation of defense enzymes in traditional rice variety by fungal endophytes isolated from seeds of indigenous rice cultivars of Northeast India

The present investigation was carried out to expound on the role of seed borne endophytic fungi isolated from native rice cultivars of North East India. Altogether 226 fungal isolates were obtained from the surface-sterilized seeds of the 10 selected rice cultivars. The major isolates were species of Curvularia, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Gliocladium, Mucor, Penicillium, Bipolaris, Basidiobolus, Periconia, and non-sporulating mycelia sterilia. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed dominance of Fusarium and Curvularia with high degree of colonization in Ampack and Chakhao rice cultivars. Altogether 84.61% of the isolates, showed siderophores activity on CAS agar medium and 76.92% of the isolates showed phosphorus solubilization activity. The result indicated that 84.61% of the isolates showed positive for ammonia production and interestingly grew in nitrogen-deficient Jensen's agar medium. The fungal isolates BD9, KON7, AM34, AM10, and Mycelia sterilia exhibited the highest antagonistic activity against rice pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. Enhanced production of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme was observed when a traditional rice plant was inoculated with a consortium made of fungal isolates AM34 and AM10 (Treatment 3). This combination exhibited a moderate increase in catalase production. Consortia made of other fungal isolates were not efficient in producing any defense enzymes. The isolates AM10, AM28, AM16, AM34, and AN 20 were identified as Fusarium annulatum, Daldinia eschscholtzii, Montagnula scabiosae, Fusarium redolens and Aspergillus flavus respectively based on microscopic and molecular characterization

A Farmer’s Approach to Detecting Photoperiod Sensitivity in Rice (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) Landraces

Most indigenous rice landraces are sensitive to photoperiod during short day seasons, and this sensitivity is more pronounced in indica than in japonica landraces. Attempts to identify photoperiod sensitive (PPS) cultivars based on the life history stages of the rice plant, and several models and indices based on phenology and day length have not been precise, and in some cases yield counterfactual inferences. Following the empirical method of traditional Asian rice farmers, the author has developed a robust index, based on the sowing and flowering dates of a large number of landraces grown in different seasons from 2020 to 2023, to contradistinguish PPS from photoperiod insensitive cultivars. Unlike other indices and models of photoperiod sensitivity, the index does not require the presumed duration of different life history stages of the rice plant but relies only on the flowering dates and the number of days till flowering of a rice cultivar sown on different dates to consistently identify photoperiod sensitive cultivars.

Augmentation of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), antioxidant potential and nutrient qualities in germinated brown rice

Rice grains rich in GABA, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, are gaining popularity, particularly, in the health food market, for their nutritional, brain, and nerve functions. Many factors like variety, soaking, and germination time influence GABA levels in rice. We evaluated a few indigenous rice varieties/cultivars for their potential to enhance GABA content by varying the soaking and germination durations. GABA content of rice varieties Jyothi and Chitteni and the cultivar Njavara increased steadily from 19.18 mg/kg, 26.67 mg/kg, and 28.63 mg/kg at 0 h soaking and germination to 116.89 mg/kg, 127.97 mg/kg and 130.29 mg/kg after 72 h soaking and germination. The GABA enriched rice extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 121.01 μg/mL, 101.38 μg/mL, 119.14 μg/mL,and high reducing activity in ferric oxide radical scavenging assay with an IC50 value of 53.81 μg/mL, 47.30 μg/mL, and 52.15 μg/mL in Jyothi, Njavara, and Chitteni, respectively. GABA content enhanced significantly with the increase in the duration of soaking and germination. The germination process for all rice varieties/cultivars significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced protein, fat, and dietary fibre, while the energy and carbohydrate decreased slightly. Among the three rice varieties/cultivars, germinated brown rice from Njavara was superior, having the most GABA content, antioxidant activity, and nutritional qualities. The GABA content in the germinated Njavara was superior or comparable to the GABA content in most of the earlier reported Indian rice varieties. Germinated brown rice from indigenous rice varieties such as Njavara can be exploited as a potential source for a nutritionally rich and balanced diet.

Pokkali Rice Cultivation: A Review on the Indigenous Rice Cultivation Method in Kerala

Kerala state's rice consumption is predicted to be between 3.5 and 4 million tons per year, but production is just a sixth of this. In order to boost the state's rice production, attention must be paid to traditional rice growing techniques. Thus, there is a need to understand the Pokkali rice cultivation method used in Kerala. The Pokkali style of rice farming in Kerala's acidic, saline soil is a distinctive way of rice cultivation. A native historic salt-tolerant type of rice called Pokkali, with a 120-day growing season, can withstand flooding by growing up to a height of 1.5 meters. Chettivirippu, Vyttila 1, Vyttila 2, Vyttila 3, Vyttila 4 and Vyttila 5 are the other rice varieties cultivated using the Pokkali rice cultivation method. With this technique, a single rice crop is harvested on mounds during the low salinity part of the production cycle (June to mid-October), with prawn aquaculture taking place during the high salinity phase (November to April). Pokkali cultivation only produce 2000 kg of rice per hectare, making it slightly unprofitable. The rice plant residue after harvesting is left to rot in the water which subsequently acts as prawn feed. Prawn farming takes place from November to April. Sluice gates help in prawn culture filtering by maximizing the amount of saline water that enters the field and preventing the prawns from escaping. The two main cultivated prawns species are Penaeus monodon (Tiger prawn) and Penaeus indicus (White prawn). Prawns are typically collected in mid-April, especially two to three days before new full moon days, as tidal activity affects their movement. Prawn excreta serve as a natural fertilizer for rice cultivation; prawns feeding on rice cultivation stubbles help to minimize the occurrence of illness in rice to a minimum. It is an organic rice production approach with less cost than commercial rice farming because chemical fertilizers and pesticides are not used.

Improved rice varieties adoption and welfare implications among small-holder farmers in south-west Nigeria: An empirical analysis and prospects for food security

This study examines improved rice variety adoption and its welfare implications among small-holder farmers in South West Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 300 rice-farming households from two selected states. The study used primary data retrieved with the aid of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using a five-point Likert scale, a logistic regression model, and the multidimensional poverty index (MPI). The study showed that more than half (56%) of the farmers noted that the acceptance of improved varieties was easy, with a mean score of 3.5. The study also established that age (β = -0.0394; p &lt; 0.001), farming experience (β = 0.0758; p &lt; 0.001), and extension contact (β = 1.7203; p &lt; 0.001) were the factors that influenced the adoption of improved rice varieties in the study area. The results of the MPI revealed that indigenous rice farmers were poorer than improved rice-farming households. Overall, 34% of improved and 54% of indigenous rice farming households are multidimensionally poor. MPIs of 0.11 and 0.21 were obtained for improved and indigenous farmers, respectively. The adoption of improved varieties was influenced by socioeconomic factors, and some households cultivating rice were MPI-poor. The study indicated that the adoption of improved varieties can result in improved productivity and reduce the prevalence of poverty in the study area.

Exploration of indigenous rice beer of Assam (India) for its physicochemical, antioxidant, mineral content, and its conformational properties

Exploration of indigenous rice beer of Assam (India) for its physicochemical, antioxidant, mineral content, and its conformational properties

Morpho-Physiological Phenotyping of Fifteen Farmers Rice Varieties and Assessment of Grain Quality

The present study high-lighted on the yet-explored extensive analyses of eating and cooking quality parameters in fifteen indigenous rice varieties. As rice is a vital staple crop globally that can feed one-third world’s population solely, it is an imperious task to develop research for enhancement of its nutritional as well as eating and cooking quality (ECQ). The exploitation of identified nutrient-enriched rice germplasm for breeding application is the easiest way to get better quality rice. Satabdi IET-4786 (SAT) appeared to be very demanding by virtue of having sufficient level of amylose which is considered as key determinant of grain quality. The importance of Sabita (SAB), with regards to higher content of amylose and maltose with higher α-amylase activity and of Dudheshwar (DUD) with respect to protein and total free amino acid content in rice grain was also significant. Here we analyzed fifteen different local rice germplasms including aromatic and some high yielding cultivars to identify some qualitative as well as some quantitative traits related to nutrition and consumers’ acceptance. The knowledge gained from this study will largely provide a path direction for the making a proper decision of considering germplasms for large-scale cultivation and dietary consumption.