South Korea honors IRRI plant breeder

The Rural Development Administration (RDA) of the Republic of Korea, a long-time partner of IRRI, has named Kshirod K. Jena, senior scientist and plant breeder at IRRI, honorary scientist and advisor for RDA’s Agricultural Green Technology effective October 2013.

Dr. Jena’s designation, awarded by DA Administrator Lee Yang-Ho, is a recognition of his contribution to the development of the rice sector in Korea.

Dr. Jena worked for the RDA (2001-10) and improved japonica rice varieties for resistance to brown planthopper, blast, and bacterial blight; and tolerance for cold at the seedling and reproductive stages. He was instrumental in the release of a new high-yielding variety for Korea named ‘Anmi,’ which means “safe and delicious rice that’s resistant to diseases and pest.”


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