Diversity and Potential of Oryza glaberrima Steud in Upland Rice Breeding

Abstract

Oryza glaberrima Steud, the indigenous domesticated Oryza species in West Africa, is a potential source of useful genes for a range of economically important characters. Progenies from interspecific hybridization of O. sativa and O. glaberrima show high sterility in the F₁ hybrids and early generations. However, in some populations fertility was obtained(5-95%)and retained after two to four back-crossings. Although true intermediates between O. glaberrima and O. sativa were generally rare, their occurence in some populations was as high as 30%. Desirable morphological traits introgressed from O. glaberrima into segregating BC₂ F₃ populations included early maturity(75-100 days), rapid seedling growth and high tillering.