RD111 (Jao Praya 72), a Non-glutinous Rice Variety

Abstract

Rice varietal development leads to higher yield potential than those of current varieties, indicating to increase in productivity and farmers income as well as an increase in our competitiveness in the world rice market. The objective of this study is to develop a photoperiod-insensitive, non-glutinous rice variety with high yield and resistance to major diseases and insect pests, suitable for irrigated rice areas in the central and lower northern while maintaining good grain quality as a market requirement. A single cross
between a high-yield non-glutinous rice line PSL09082-CNT-140-2-3-1-1-2-1 as a female parent and PSL14190-MAS (6)-CNT-15-5 (bacterial leaf blight resistance) as a male parent was made at Chai Nat Rice Research Center in 2016. The promising line named CNT16022-57-1-2-4-2 outperformed other lines in the same pedigree. During 2017-2023, this line had been under the process of selection of progenies, observations, yield trials and stability of yield in the target areas. Moreover, the evaluation for resistance to major diseases and insect pests, nitrogen response, physical and chemical properties of grain, milling and cooking quality together with stakeholders’ perception was conducted. The Thailand Rice Variety Board agreed to release it in the name of RD111 (Chao Phraya 72) for the celebrations on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th cycle birthday in 2024. This new variety is a photoperiod-insensitive, non-glutinous rice with a growth duration from planting to maturity at about 100-110 days (germinated seed broadcasting) and 110-116 days (transplanting), having erect culm and moderately stiff stem with an average plant height of 112-122 cm. The average yield from multiple field trials was 870 kg/rai (potential yield at about 1,176 kg/rai). In addition, it has a high number of filled grains per panicle (248 grains), two to three weeks of seed dormancy, straw color paddy with a paddy length of 11.04 mm, 2.65 mm width and 2.06 mm thick; the length of brown rice is 8.02 mm, 2.22 mm width, and 1.88 mm thick and milled rice is 7.74 mm length, 2.16 mm width and 1.82 mm thick. The new variety has excellent milling recovery (whole kernel and head 52.14%), a long and slender shape of milled rice with less grain chalkiness approved to be 100% rice grade 1. Its non-aromatic cooked rice is quite crumbly due to high amylose content (26.68%). It is moderately resistant to bacterial leaf blight and brown planthopper but moderately susceptible to blast disease. It is recommended to grow under irrigated rice areas in central and lower northern Thailand.