Development of Submergence Tolerant Rice Variety BRRI dhan79 for Flash Flood Ecosystem of Bangladesh

Tolerance to submergence stress is an important breeding objective for the areas where rice cultivars are subjected to complete inundation for a week or more. Submergence tolerance is an important trait for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the flash flood-prone ecosystem. The trait is largely controlled by a major gene designated as Sub1 located on chromosome 9. Submergence of rice (Oryza sativa) by flash flooding is a major constraint to rice production in Bangladesh. Quantitative trait loci analyses have revealed that a large portion of this variation in submergence tolerance can be explained by Sub1. A newly released submergence tolerant rice variety namely BRRI dhan79 was developed by hybridization between BRRI dhan49*6/BRRI dhan52 through Marker Assisted Backcrossing and selection method where BRRI dhan52 (submergence tolerant mega variety in Bangladesh) used as Sub1 donor. It can tolerate upto three weeks complete submergence at vegetative stage whereas Sub1 donor mega variety BRRI dhan52 can tolerate on an average two weeks complete submergence condition. It can also tolerate 50-60 cm water stagnation for 15-20 days after de-submergence. The variety has satisfactorily been passed in the proposed variety trial conducted in flash flood prone farmers' field in Bangladesh. As a result, the National Seed Board (NSB) of Bangladesh approved this rice variety for commercial cultivation for the flash flood affected rainfed lowland ecosystem (Transplanted Aman season) in 2017. It meet up all the trait of modern plant likely medium plant heihght (112 cm), strong and stature culm structure, erect flag leaf with stay green leaf at maturity stage and high yield potential with 140 days growth duration (in case of three weeks submergence mature by 160 days). It can produce 5.5 t/ha grain yield under non-stress condition and 4.0-4.5 t/ha yield under three weeks submergence condition. The grain shape of the variety is medium bold. The rice production scenario in flash flood affected region of Bangladesh has been remarkably improved after releasing this rice variety. It has not only change the socio-economic status of farmers but also sustaining food security.