PR34159-13-1 recommended as the first rice variety for irrigated lowland direct wet-seeded system

Recent trend in rice production is marked with the shift from transplanting to direct seeding because the latter benefits farmers by reducing the cost of production. The percentage of Filipino rice farmers adopting direct wet-seeding in irrigated areas increased from 25% to 48% from 1992 to 1995 (Cruz, et. al., 1996). At present, almost 40% of area under rice is direct wet-seeded and expected to further increase owing to rising labor costs, other economic factors, and decreasing profitability of rice production (Manigbas, et al., 2008). Rice is traditionally transplanted that requires high labor input. To overcome problem in labor and other input shortages in transplanting, direct seeding becomes a necessity. However, the lack of variety bred for direct wet-seeding purpose creates dilemma in DS system. Varieties used in direct seeding are bred for transplanted rice cultivation. Although many farmers are adapted to direct seeded culture, varieties especially bred for transplanted culture are being used. Since these varieties are wet adapted to stresses in direct seeded environment, yield is reduced due to high mortality rate of broadcasted seed. Direct wet-seeded rice variety should have good anaerobic germination and seedling vigor, resistance to lodging, insect and pest, good grain quality and high yield. PR 34159-13-1 was recommended as the first line to become a variety for direct wet-seeding. It has an average yield of 5 t/ha with 5.6% yield advantage across seasons over PSB Rc82. It has intermediate reactions to anaerobic stress, bacterial leaf blight, green leafhopper and moderately resistant to yellow stem borer and brown plant hopper. In addition, it has good head rice recovery and comparable with eating quality check. PR 34159-13-1 will lessen the drudgery in rice farming and will provide an option to overcome problems in direct seeded cultivation.