In France, rice is grown mainly near the Mediterranean Sea, in the Camargue. An irrigated system based on direct seeding on wet land is used. Occurrence of cold periods throughout the crop cycle (April/May-September/October) and the risk of soil salinization are the most important constraints. Since 1988, CIRAD and CFR have been implementing a rice breeding program for the Camargue. It aims at creating cultivars fitting the needs of rice farmers (yield potential and stability), the rice industry (milling and processing qualities) and consumers (cooking and taste qualities). Varieties grown in the region belong to the japonica subspecies of Oryza sativa. Hybridization is the basis for creation of variability. Progenies are selected using the pedigree method associated or not with haploidipolidisation applied to the first generation. Marker-assisted selection has recently been introduced to improve selection efficacy for resistance to fungal diseases occurring erratically in relation to climate. So far, 25 varieties have been registered in the European Official Catalogue, of which 5 have proven particularly successful among farmers. Progress achieved for germination in anaerobic conditions, resistance to stem borers, grain shape and other qualities, including aroma, are presented. Prospects in relation to new objectives such as weed control and adaptation to climate change are also presented.
Clément, G; Louvel, D
Rice varietal improvement for Mediterranean France
Cahiers Agricultures