Exploiting the genetic resources of rice in Argentina through population improvement

The apparently narrow genetic base of the rice crop in the region was caused by conventional breeding methods and difficulties in obtaining and exchanging germplasm. The country is, therefore, turning towards exploiting its own genetic resources through population improvement. Activities began in 1996 with the introduction of populations PCT-6, PCT-7 and PCT-8, of which the last was chosen, because it performed best, as the base population. Only two populations (PARG-1 and PARG-2) were developed as sources of genetic variability for conventional breeding, and a third (PARG-3) for population improvement through recurrent selection. Populations PCT-8\0\0\2 and PARG-3\0\0\1 were characterized to determine the changes resulting from introducing selected lines into PCT-8 in Argentina. Molecular markers were used to compare the new population's genetic variability with that of commercial varieties. Also carried out was the extraction of germplasm materials for obtaining lines. The result of these efforts comprises more than 150 lines in different stages of selection and the implementation of population improvement, beginning with PARG-3\0\0\1. (Résumé d'hauteur