Farmers' preference for rice traits : insights from farm surveys in Central Luzon, Philippines, 1966-2012
2015
Laborte, A.G. | Paguirigan, N. | Moya, P.F. | Nelson, A. | Sparks, A.H. | Gregorio, G.B.
Many modern rice varieties (MVs) have been released but few have been widely adopted by farmers. To understand farmers' preference for rice traits, the authors characterized MVs released in the Philippines from 1966 to 2013 in terms of agronomic traits, pest and disease resistance, and grain quality traits, and identified the characteristics of those widely adopted in Central Luzon using farm surveys conducted from 1966 to 2012. Farmers in Central Luzon adopt MVs that are high yielding, mature faster, and have long and slender grains, high milling recovery, and intermediate amylose content. The amylose content of adopted varieties has been declining, suggesting value in developing softer rice. To have high potential for adoption, new MVs should have characteristics within the ranges of values observed for adopted MVs. In addition, new MVs should have higher head rice recovery, fewer chalky grains, and better resistance to pests and diseases. Most MVs released in 2005-13 compared poorly for these three traits. To reduce the risks of severe outbreaks, broad-spectrum resistance should be incorporated into new MVs. This analysis of nearly five decades of farm surveys provides insights into the varietal characteristics preferred by farmers and how these change with time. This can contribute to the establishment of a product profile for developing improved MVs that are more targeted and hence would have high potential for adoption by farmers in Central Luzon and other similar areas. The authors recommend that a similar analysis be done in other major rice-growing regions to aid the development of MVs that are more responsive to the needs and preferences of farmers.
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