3 new rice varieties

Three new high-yielding and pest-resistant rice varieties have been bred.

The varieties–named Matatag 3, Matatag 6, and Angelica – have been released for distribution to farmers in specific parts of the country by the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Both PhilRice and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have developed their Matatag lines, which are resistant to tungro, one of most destructive rice diseases.

Dr. John de Leon of PhilRice, chair of the Rice Varietal Improvement Group (RVIG), said that Matatag 3 and 6 and Angelica are recommended for commercial planting in tungro-infested areas in Visayas (Region 6) and Mindanao (Regions 10, 11, 12, 13, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM).

Angelica is specifically recommended for irrigated lowlands in Agusan del Norte, where it performs well in nutrient-deficient soil and low solar radiation.

Matatag 3 is a semi-dwarf variety which matures early (107 days if transplanted and 101 days if direct-seeded). Matatag 6 is also semi-dwarf and matures early (109 days if transplanted and 104 days if direct-seeded).

Angelica is high-yielding, resistant to pests, and has an acceptable grain quality. It can be harvested 121 days after sowing. – Rudy A. Fernandez