Invention:
Heat- and drought-tolerant rice varieties are under development by University of Arizona researchers under real-world conditions in Arizona and other similar stressful environments. This technology is a development of new rice varieties designed for low rainfall areas and is based on field condition evaluations and not a simulated greenhouse environment.
Background:
Rice is an essential food source for more than 50% of the world’s population. Heat and drought stress are important factors limiting rice production, exacerbated by the impending threat of climate change. Stress tolerant cultivars are needed to expand rice production. Drought tolerant varieties have been developed but in narrow genetic backgrounds characterized only in simulated growing conditions.
Advantages:
- High yielding heat- and drought-tolerant varieties
- Elite genetic background
- Evaluation based on field conditions
Applications:
- Rice varieties that can tolerate heat and drought in Arizona and other challenging parts of the world
