Development of New Rice Ideotype

Abstract

In rice, ideotype breeding is believed to offer great
opportunities to enhance the yield potential (Khush,
1984). Since the release of the semi-dwarf high yielding
rice variety IR8 by the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI), Philippines, rice yield potential has
remained constant (Singh, 1998). The narrow genetic
base of the varieties used in breeding progammes seems
to be the most important reason for the yield plateau.
So broadening the genetic base of future rice varieties
is imperative in breeding programmes.