Burundi releases two new rice varieties

wo newly-released varieties, IR77713 and IR79511, are expected to boost food production and meet the rapidly growing demand for rice in Burundi. Farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Burundi chose the two rice varieties (IR77713 and IR79511) bred by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) over the countrys locally grown varietiesV14, V18, Watt, and Rukaramubecause they produce more rice and taste and look better. The new varieties easily gained favor because they are high-yielding and early-maturing. They yield up to 7 tons per hectare, which is 11.5 tons more

than the locally grown varieties, and they mature 23 weeks earlier. The farmers also ranked IR77713 and IR79511 highest in grain quality of unmilled, milled, and cooked rice. In addition, a sensory test revealed that farmers find IRRIs new varieties tasty. The new varieties are suitable to be planted in lowland areas of the country (800900 meters above sea level).

Farmers who participated in the PVS chose IR77713 and IR79511 as the best-looking white rice varieties.

IR77713 and IR79511 bested other varieties as farmers vote in participatory varietal selection (PVS) in Burundi.

IRRI-Burundi Office (2)

SELECTED TR AINING COURSES AT IRRI

Course SNP Data Analysis Rice: Research to Production Rice Breeding Course Basic Scientific Writing Workshop Date 23-27 April 14 May-1 June 7-22 August 22-26 October Target participants IRRI researchers and scholars Young scientists (2135 years old) Breeders, agronomists, and research managers Scientists and researchers

For the complete list and information about the 2012 IRRI Training Courses, visit http://snipurl.com/training_courses_2012. For inquiries, email IRRITraining@cgiar.org, call (63-2) 580-5600 loc 2538/2824/ 2437/2324, or send a fax to (63-2) 580-5699, 891-1292, 845-0606. 8
Rice Today January-March 2012