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. See http://www.warda.org/warda/techreport.asp or contact [email protected] for more information.

05/05/2008