The Africa Rice Center (WARDA), FAO and the Sasakawa Africa Association
have just published "NERICA: the New Rice for Africa - a Compendium",
edited by E.A. Somado, R.G. Guei and S.O. Keya. The 210-page document
brings together the results of scientific research on NERICA rice
varieties, ranging from the choice of land to planting, integrated crop
and pest management, harvest and post-harvest operations,
agro-processing technologies and nutritional quality, and adoption
impact on rice farmers' livelihoods.
It is split into
17 modules, one of which is dedicated to molecular characterisation of
NERICA lines. NERICA rice varieties are derived from the crossing of
two
species of cultivated rice, the African rice and the Asian rice, using
embryo rescue and anther culture techniques, combining the high yields
from the Asian rice with the ability of the African rice to thrive in
harsh environments.
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