UPLB MSc graduate won best paper in an international conference

Ms. Patricia Izabelle M. Lopez won the Best Paper Award-Upstream Category at the joint Crop Science Society of the Philippines and Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania (CSSP-SABRAO) International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding.

Ms. Lopez, who finished her degree in Plant Breeding at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) under the guidance of IRRI Scientist Dr. Sung-Ryul Kim and UPLB Professor Dr. Tonette P. Laude, did her study on the “Establishment of a Precision Marker-Based Breeding Method for the Targeted Transfer of Traits in Rice.” In the past, preharvest sprouting (PHS, seed germination on panicles before harvesting) in rice was not a problem in the Republic of  Korea. Due to climate change, increased typhoons, and higher temperature and humidity during the rice maturation period, PHS became more prevalent, resulting in significant yield loss and lower grain quality. Genetic improvement of PHS resistance in the elite Korean temperate japonica varieties is an ideal way to resolve this issue. However, many undeniable traits, such as low spikelet fertility and changes in grain shapes/quality used to be found in the two subspecies cross-breeding (japonica x indica), remain, although the target trait is improved.

Korean farmers hold a deep attachment to high-quality rice varieties. This prompted IRRI and the Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea, to team up and develop varieties that precisely introgress the PHS resistance gene (Sdr4) from indica to Korean temperate japonica varieties so that only the target trait can be added without any changes of superior characteristics of the japonica variety. Ms. Lopez presented the developed Precision Marker-Based Breeding (PMBB) strategy, which includes basic ideas, efficient cross-schemes, cost-saving methods for sampling and genotyping, and breeding products. The PMBB strategy will be helpful for the precise transfer of any target traits without changes in superior characteristics of the elite background varieties.

CSSP-SABRAO Conference's theme was "Emerging Paradigms in Crop Science and Breeding: Cultivating Sustainable Solutions and Partnerships for a Resilient Future." It showcased a powerhouse of innovations, research, and ongoing national and international collaborations to address food security challenges. It was held on 12-16 August at the Crimson Hotel, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.

###

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).