NERICA Rice Varieties Research Articles

Effect of Media and Photoperiod on Embryogenic and Organogenic Callus Induction from Mature Seed in Oryza sativa L.

Rice is the staple food for billions of people and a source of income for hundreds of millions. This food security crop production needs to be improved to face the projected demands of the exponentially augmenting world’s population and overcome biotic and abiotic stress in the fields. Optimized in vitro culture protocols are a prerequisite to genetic engineering which appears to be the best potential way to improve the rice plant. In this study, ‘Nerica 3’ and ‘Nerica L36’ seeds were in vitro culture tested into 4 media (m1-4), in dark and photoperiod environments. The percentage of callus induction was calculated and callus weight was recorded. Results show that callus induction was influenced by variety × environment and medium × environment interactions, with a strong influence of the environment used. ‘Nerica 3’ showed the highest mean (88.25%) callus induction after six weeks of incubation on different media. m1 and m2 media showed greater mean callus induction (more than 86%). Higher callus induction came from m1 (82% and 91%) and m2 (81% and 93%) media, while lower rates came from m3 (73%) and m4 (69%) media for embryogenic and organogenic calli respectively. Culturing the explant in dark environment to produce embryogenic callus, resulted in greater callus weight for ‘Nerica 3’ (1.03 g) and ‘Nerica L36’ (0.79 g). This study is a contribution to the rice plant genetic improvement by proposing protocols for somatic embryogenesis of two Nerica rice varieties.

Evaluation of Upland Rice Response to Water Stress Using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG -6000) at Germination and Early Seedling Stage

Water stress is one of the most important crop growth limiting factors which leads to low crop productivity and yield instability. Water stress affects crop growth and development, especially during the germination and seedling period. The experiment was conducted in the growth chamber at the seed physiology laboratory of the Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, University of Eldoret to evaluate sixteen upland rice varieties to water stress tolerance at germination and early seedling growth stage. These varieties were tested against four levels of water stress imposed by Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG - 6000) at 0%, 5%,10% and 15% concentration. The lay out of the experiment was complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Osmotic stress induced by PEG levels significantly (P<.001) reduced plant growth parameters. The result showed that the germination percentage, germination index, Relative seedling height (%), seedling dry weight, Seedling fresh weight, Seedling length, seedling vigor index and mean germination time of all tested rice varieties were found decreasing trends with increasing the levels of PEG from 0 to 15% concentration levels. Among all the sixteen varieties, NERICA rice varieties followed by MWUR, White rice, Kpatawee, and Komboka had an outstanding performed in terms of germination percentage, germination index, seedling height, seedling dry weight, root length and relative dry weight under water induced stress by using PEG concentration levels compared to other varieties. Therefore, these varieties could be useful in breeding programs and can be cultivated in arid and semi-arid environment or where water shortage is a regular constraint.

Effects of Sawah Technology on the growth and yield performance of NERICA rice varieties in the South-East Nigeria

Field experiment research was conducted to determine the effects of Sawah Technology on NERICA rice production from April to December 2020 during the rainy season at two different locations, namely, Ishieke and Imeoha Nkerefi in Ebonyi State and Enugu State respectively, both in the south-east of Nigeria. Six NERICA rice varieties: Sipi692033, WITA 4, NERICA 34, NERICA 1, NERICA 7 and NERICA 19 were used for the study on two Sawah fields and two non-Sawah fields measured 0.3ha each. Research data, namely: height, width, panicle length, grain number, and grain weight were collected starting from nursery to maturity of the rice. The study revealed that Sipi692033 has the highest yield of 5 tons/ha under Sawah Technology condition. The findings of the study show that the panicle length, grain number per panicle, weight of 1000 grains, and yield (ton/ha) were higher by 55.56 %, 50.00 %, 39.41 %, and 87.50 % respectively in the Sawah field relative to the non-Sawah field. The study concludes that Sawah technology enhances rice yield by at least 50 per cent.

Improved Seeds Adoption Among Smallholder Rice Farmers in Togo: The Case of NERICA in the Savannah Region

The low adoption of new technologies, particularly improved seeds, remains a critical issue hampering the development of agriculture in many developing countries. The objective of this research is to identify the determinants of (i) the farmer’s knowledge,( ii) the adoption decision and (iii) the adoption intensity of NERICA rice varieties in the Togolese Savannah region. Probit and Tobit models were used to analyse data collected from 150 rice growers randomly selected. The results of the estimations showed that the knowledge, the adoption decision and the adoption intensity of NERICA are determined by socio-economic and institutional factors. The common factors affecting the knowledge, the adoption decision and the adoption intensity are credit access, extension service and gender. However, the adoption intensity is specifically affected by the rice income, the land ownership and the membership to a farmer’s base organization. These findings suggest the necessity to improve the agricultural credit access, the extension services access and to take gender into account in policies making in order to give men and women the same chances of access to innovations.

Growth response of two Nerica rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties on irrigation scheduling in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya

Growth response of two Nerica rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties on irrigation scheduling in Mwea irrigation scheme, Kenya

Agronomic Adaptability of Some Selected Nerica Rice Varieties in Response to Biofertilizer Application in Northern Cameroon

Agronomic Adaptability of Some Selected Nerica Rice Varieties in Response to Biofertilizer Application in Northern Cameroon

Changes in Some Nutritional and Mineral Components of Nerica Rice Varieties as Affected by Field Application with Mycorrhiza and Chemical Fertilizer in Northern Cameroon

Rice as staple food is the most important and valuable cereal crop in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas where poor population cannot afford to cook and eat at their convenience. With the outbreak of Nerica varieties, it is important to evaluate and compare their nutritional and mineral properties to those of the local ones prior to their vulgarisation. Therefore, some nutritional and mineral properties of 4 Nerica and a local seeds varieties used in this study were harvested from control (T0), chemical fertilizer (TE), mycorrhiza (TM) applied plants, or their mixture (TEM). These seeds originating from Wakwa and/or Yagoua experimental sites were assessed and compared in a split-plot design (4 × 5) × 3 between treatments (4) and varieties (5). The local DIR-95 variety had values close to those of Nerica varieties in all the parameters assessed. Protein contents ranged from 17.66% - 24.35%, and was higher than those reported in rice samples elsewhere. All the studied varieties were classified as high amylose rice, and therefore, their textures in cooked form should be less sticky and harder, which is convenient to the diet behavior of many consumers. The relative low Fe content in Nerica rice suggest that these varieties may be resistant to Fe accumulation in seeds. The P, N, Mg contents were found to be more elevated in seeds harvested from mycorrhiza or chemical fertilizer applied plants, with Nerica seeds variety FKR62-N as the best of all in nutrients mineral and nutritional compositions. These results confirm varietal and site influences on proximate and mineral contents in the studied rice varieties.

Effect of ratooning process on the engineering properties of NERICA rice varieties

Rice ratooning is the practice of harvesting grain from tillers originating from the stubble of previously harvested crop. Comparative assessment of the engineering properties of main and ratooned NERICA rice varieties was investigated in this study. The length, width, thickness, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, equivalent diameter and surface area ranged from 8.21 to 10.62 mm, 2.31 to 3.60 mm, 1.67 to 2.28 mm, 13.10 to 22.67 mm, 3.26 to 3.87 mm, 6.35 to 9.98 mm, 23.15 to 42.02%, 34.20 to 51.31 mm and from 0.35 to 0.48 mm2, respectively. Bulk density, true density, porosity, thousand grain weight and volume ranged from 0.63 to 1.14 g/cm3, 0.55 to 0.67 g/cm3, 1.48 to 45.91%, 21.66 to 27.41 g and from 0.023 to 0.031 mm3, respectively. Coefficient of static friction on polished wood, plywood, metal and glass ranged from 0.35 to 0.47, 0.34 to 0.44, 0.26 to 0.34 and 0.14 to 0.21, respectively. Filling and emptying angle of repose ranged from 34.79 to 42.00 and from 46.57° to 67.74°, respectiv...

Farmers’ Evaluation of NERICA Rice Varieties and Adoption Determinants in Nigeria

Farmers’ Evaluation of NERICA Rice Varieties and Adoption Determinants in Nigeria

Rice Production Prospects in Eritrea

Rice is not cultivated in Eritrea because of its high water requirements and arid to semiarid conditions. However, most agricultural watersheds in Eritrea are associated with >80% non-agricultural lands, which produce significant runoff that can be diverted for use by rice crop. Experiments were conducted at Hamelmalo Agricultural College, Eritrea, using four NERICA rice varieties viz. N1, N4, N10 and N11 under rainfed (Io) and limited supplementary irrigations (I) in 3 replications. Results showed that plants were taller under limited irrigations than rainfed. Among the 4 varieties, N11 was most affected by water stress in which plant height was 0.72 m under rainfed and 0.89 m under limited irrigations. Effective tillers were highest (6) in N11 under limited irrigations and lowest (2) in N10 under rainfed. Panicles were shorter (0.20 m) in N10 and longer (0.23 - 0.24 m) in N1 and N11. Irrigations delayed maturity by 6 - 15 days. Water use by N11 was higher both under limited irrigations (987 mm) and rainfed (477 mm) and lower by N10 under rainfed (457 mm). Root growth in all the varieties was better under irrigations (I) than rainfed (Io). Roots were limited to 0.7 m depth under rainfed (Io) but grew down to 0.8 m in N1, N4 and N11 under limited irrigations (I). Roots in N10 were limited to 0.5 m depth under Io and 0.7 m under I. More than 63% roots in N10 were in 0 - 0.1 m layer under rainfed as against less than 55% under limited irrigations. In lower layers, roots under Io were more in N4 than others, which is a beneficial trait for better performance under semiarid environments. Roots in N11 were better and uniformly distributed in lower layers under irrigated conditions. Rooting patterns and grain yields showed that N11 was most responsive to irrigations but susceptible to water stress and N4 was best under rainfed followed by N10. N4 was next to N11 under irrigated conditions.

NERICA Adoption and Impacts on Technical Efficiency of Rice Producing Households in Ghana: Implications for Research and Development

In an effort to enhance agricultural development in Ghana, rice producers have witnessed myriads of improved agricultural technology development and dissemination. Notably among them is the Multi-national NERICA Rice Dissemination Project (MNRDP). However the empirical evidence linking these technologies to productivity indicators is limited. This paper uses cross sectional data which were collected from 200 smallholder rice producers from major rice growing districts in Ghana, to examine whether adoption of NERICA rice varieties have impacted on technical efficiency. Taking into account the endogeneity of technology adoption and assuming that impact is heterogeneous across the population, Original Research Article American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 4(3): 244-262, 2014 245 The propensity score matching approach was usedto estimate average treatment effect (ATE) on technical efficiency. Theanalyses revealed an adoption rate of 68 per cent among sample rice farmers. The data further suggest an average technical efficiency of 69.1 per cent. In addition, adoption of NERICA rice varieties was found to have a positive and significant impact on technical efficiency of rice producing households in the country. Besides NERICA adoption, other factors that significantly influenced technical efficiency include; education, household size, gender and non-farm income. The result also highlighted a positive influence of institutions such as NGOs and extension services on technical efficiency. The findings suggest that access to improved varieties is an essential factor to consider in promoting interventions aimed at improving technical efficiency of smallholder rice producers. Further, continuous provision of training through establishing and strengthening linkages between farmers and these institutions is recommended to enhance the smooth transformation of adoption efforts into efficient rice production among smallholder rice farmers in Ghana.

Agronomic Evaluation of Some Drought Tolerant NERICA Rice Varieties to Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Inoculation in the Rainforest Transitory Zone of Nigeria

Erratic rainfall distribution pattern poses serious challenge to food production in the rainforest transitory zone of Nigeria. Low input technology through the adoption of drought tolerant varieties (NERICA) and the application of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) inoculum could be an alternative option for double cropping of upland rice. Field trials were conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta in the early and late cropping season of 2012 in the transitory rainforest agro-ecology of Nigeria. The objective was to investigate the performance of some selected upland NERICA rice to the application of AMF inoculum. A 6 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted; six upland rice varieties selected with and without the application of AMF, laid out in split plot arrangement, with AMF in the main block, while variety was in the sub-plot. Each treatment was replicated three times. In both seasons, significant (P - AMF. In the early season there was no significant (P > 0.05) varietal variability on grain yield/ha. Conversely, in late season NERICA 4 recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher grain yield (1050kg/ha) as suggested in significantly (P < 0.05) higher panicle/m2 (59.50). Performance of NERICA 4 was significantly increased by application of AMF inoculation in the late cropping season.

Growth and Yield Responses of NERICA Rice Varieties to Different Sources of Organic Fertilizer in Transitory Rainforest Zone of Nigeria

Abstract Two field studies were conducted to investigate growth and yield responses of NERICA rice cultivars to organic fertiliser sources, at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) between May 31 and September 30 of 2009 and OgbeEruku Village (OEV), Owode - Egba, Ogun State, Nigeria between July 7 and November 30 also in 2009. FUNAAB is a transition between rainforest and a derived savanna whereas OEV is in a rainforest zone. The experiment was a 10 × 3 × 2 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. The treatments were three rice varieties (NERICA 1, NERICA 2, and Ofada) and three application rates of different manure types (poultry manure at 0 t/ha-1, 10 t/ha-1 and 20 t/ha-1; cow dung at 0 t/ha-1, 7 t/ha-1 and 14 t/ha-1; swine manure at 0 t/ha-1, 3.5 t/ha-1 and 7 t/ha-1). These levels are equivalent to 0 kg N/ha-1, 45 kg N/ha-1, and 90 kg N/ha-1. The results indicated significant (P &lt; 0.05) varietal variability on dry matter accumulation at maturity in the order NERICA 1 &gt; Ofada &gt; NERICA 3. Inorganic fertiliser source at recommended rate recorded significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher effect on all growth parameters compared to organic sources. Growth characters were significantly higher at FUNAAB than OEV, conversely grain yield was significantly higher at OEV, where NERICA 1 at higher application rates of poultry and swine manure recorded grain yield comparative to inorganic fertiliser at recommended rate.

Physiological and biochemical responses of five nerica rice varieties (Oryza sativa L.) to water deficit at vegetative and reproductive stage

Food shortage is a major problem in sub Saharan Africa as population increases. Over 89% of Kenyans are food poor and are malnourished especially in rural areas. NERICA (New Rice for Africa) are high yielding rainfed rice varieties with early maturity and has shown high potential to revolutionize rice farming even in Africa’s stress afflicted ecologies. However, NERICA varieties vary in their response to water deficit. A pot experiment was conducted in 2009 at the Maseno University Botanic garden, to evaluate the responses of five NERICA varieties (NERICA1, NERICA 2, NERICA 3, NERICA 4 and NERICA 5) to water deficit during their vegetative or reproductive stage of their development. The response pattern of physiological and biochemical parameters to water deficit imposed at different growth stages might provide basis for selecting the most tolerant variety to water deficit in order to stabilize yield and solve food crisis. The treatments were; T1-irrigating the pots with a litre of water after every two days (Control), T2-water deficit at vegetative stage in which water was withheld by irrigating the plants using one litre of water after every six days from 30-50 days after planting; T3-water deficit at reproductive stage in which water was withheld by irrigating the plants using one litre of water after every six days from 51-71 days after planting. Water deficit caused a significant reduction in physiological parameters i.e. growth, chlorophyll fluorescence and biochemical parameters i.e. chlorophyll and protein content both at vegetative stage and at reproductive stage. However, Growth parameters i.e. plant height, root length and plant dry weight were affected more by water deficit imposed at the vegetative stage as compared to water deficit imposed at the reproductive stage while chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content and protein content were affected more by water deficit imposed at reproductive stage as compared to water deficit at reproductive stage. The results indicate that NERICA 2 and 4 were tolerant as compared to NERICA 1, 3 and 5 to water deficit occurring at vegetative stage or reproductive stage because their growth, chlorophyll fluorescence and biochemical parameters were least affected.

Effect of salt stress on physiological response and leaf polyamine content in NERICA rice seedlings

NERICA is a new African rice variety, developed by the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) in 1990s. NERICA rice shows both vigorous growth and tolerance of stressors such as drought and disease. The purpose of this study was to clarify the physiological and biochemical responses to salt stress of NERICA rice seedlings. The degree of growth inhibition caused by salt stress was small in NERICA rice varieties as compared with japonica Nipponbare. Na accumulation in leaf blades was high in salt-sensitive varieties. Accumulation of proline, a known compatible solute, was also induced by salt stress, especially in salt-sensitive varieties; it was thought that this accumulation was brought on salt-stress injury. The contents of polyamines, especially spermidine, were high in the pre-stressed leaf blades of NERICA rice seedlings. After the salt-stress treatment, the polyamine content of leaf blades differed with the degree of salt tolerance of the NERICA rice seedlings. These results suggested that the salt tolerance of NERICA rice seedlings might be associated not only with the regulation of Na absorption and translocation but also with their ability to maintain leaf polyamine levels under salt-stress conditions. &amp;nbsp;

Effect of Intercropping Maize and Cassava with Upland NERICA Rice Varieties on Stemborer Attack in Southwest Nigeria

Effect of Intercropping Maize and Cassava with Upland NERICA Rice Varieties on Stemborer Attack in Southwest Nigeria

Comparative analysis of profitability of NERICA rice and local rice varieties production in Chukun local government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study examines the costs and returns and the problems confronting rice production. One hundred and eighty (180) farmers were randomly selected from one thousand two hundred rice producers from two districts, namely Kujama and Kakau of Chukun LGA of Kaduna State. Data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistic and budgeting technique were used to analyse the data. The costs and returns analysis show that labour and fertilizers inputs accounted for greater parts of the total variable costs incurred in both NERICA rice and local rice varieties and were represented by 73.99 and 52.75 percent respectively. The farm gate price of paddy rice ( N 80/kg) for NERICA and N 50/kg for local rice were used in estimating the revenue and comparing with the total variable costs to obtain the gross margin which measured the economic performance of the two rice varieties. The gross margin analysis shows that from one hectare of land cultivated, the total cost of production for NERICA rice and local rice were N116,638.10 and N85,803.45 and gross revenue of N351,280.00 and N157,500.00/ha respectively. Thus making a gross of margin of N234,641.90, and N71,699.00/ha respectively. The gross margin analysis shows that with adequate management, NERICA rice production is a more profitable venture. The major problems identified in rice production were inadequate improved seed varieties, bad road network,pests and diseases, lack of capital and storage facilities. This paper recommends that intensification of NERICA rice production will generate more returns to farmers than local rice. Therefore, farmers should be encouraged to invest their resources in the improved (NERICA rice) production for increase rice productivity which in turn will increase the farmers’ income and improve their standard of living.

Resistance Status of Upland NERICA Rice Varieties to Termite Damage in Northcentral Nigeria

Resistance Status of Upland NERICA Rice Varieties to Termite Damage in Northcentral Nigeria

Responses of NERICA Rice Varieties to Weed Interference in the Guinea Savannah Uplands

Responses of NERICA Rice Varieties to Weed Interference in the Guinea Savannah Uplands

Comparative studies of drying methods on the seed quality of interspecific NERICA rice varieties (Oryza glaberrima x Oryza sativa) and their parents

Seed moisture content (MC) is a key component that determines storability of germplasm conserved in seed genebanks. The purpose of this research was to compare the efficiency of sun-, shade-, silica geland conventional room drying in terms of rice seed MC and viability using seeds of two interspecific progenies (NERICA 1 and NERICA 3) and their parents Oryza glaberrima and O. sativa varieties harvested 15 days before, at and 15 days after mass maturity. Sun drying most significantly reduced MC (4-5%) and was comparable with silica gel drying regardless of the variety tested and the maturity stage at harvest. Likewise, sun drying gave the best germination percentages followed by silica gel. Shade and room drying did not significantly lower MC and led to poor germination, especially when rice was harvested prematurely. Except for the sativa variety, harvesting prematurely resulted in no germination. In contrast, the initial germination percentages in all tested varieties improved as rice was harvested at or after mass maturity rather than 15 days earlier. Though comparable to sun drying, silica gel may not be readily available and affordable for resource-limited seed storage facilities. In this case sun drying was found an effective and affordable method for short-term storage, especially farm-saved seeds.