抄録
This study was conducted to assess the dynamics of on-farm management of varietal diversity, i.e. continued cultivation of different varieties in their farms, determine socio-economic and cultural variables influencing varietal maintenance and seed sources, and determine the level and potential for on-farm conservation of traditional rice in the central Cordillera, Philippines. Results showed that rice is not only a basic staple but also an economic product for barter and trade; a raw material for traditional foods and beverages; and a commodity for social, cultural, and religious uses. Almost 90% of the 466 recorded varieties were traditional types, with non-glutinous varieties accounting for 77%. Farmers considered adaptation to local agro-ecological conditions, good eating qualities, agriculturally desirable plant characteristics, panicle and grain characteristics, and satisfactory yield performance as desirable traits of local landraces. Negative characteristics were late maturity, slow biomass decomposition, and low yield potential. Seed selection, variety selection, seed exchange and certain gender roles on seed and variety selection can be associated with continued maintenance of traditional varieties on-farm.
The level of on-farm conservation of rice diversity was found to be moderate to slightly high, while the potential for conservation was moderate. Respondents have discarded or lost varieties due to low yield, susceptibility to pests and disease, replacement by a new variety, and loss of seed stocks. The level and potential for on-farm conservation of varieties can be related with cultural and demographic variables, such as number of years in farming, gender, affinity to ethnic customs, and traditions and religious practices. A significant amount of varietal diversity is still maintained through on-farm conservation across the central Cordillera. Agro-ecological, socio-economic, and cultural factors, as well as traditional agricultural practices, influence the continuing conservation and utilization of these diverse varieties. However, modern farming influences and changing preferences threaten the on-farm diversity of landraces. Ways by which this diversity can be maintained and effectively sustain the needs of highland rice farming in the central Cordillera should be explored.
