Temperate Rice Research Consortium sees significant opportunities to make a greater impact on the rice community

"There is a huge opportunity within the Temperate Rice Research Consortium (TRRC) to make an even greater impact on the rice community in temperate regions," said Ki-Young Kim, co-chair during the TRRC meeting and director of the Crop Breeding Division of the National Institute of Crop Science of the Korean Rural Development Administration (NICS-RDA).

Speaking at the 2024 International Temperate Rice Conference, hosted by the Louisiana State University AgCenter from June 5 to 8, 2024, Dr. Kim encouraged members of the consortium to continue improving temperate japonica rice.

TRRC, established by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in cooperation with RDA, tackles various constraints of temperate rice production. Global warming, pests, and environmental issues threaten temperate japonica rice production. Although temperate japonica rice covers about 20% of rice cultivation area worldwide, decreasing its production can lead to food insecurity.

Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and TRRC member countries worldwide presented the consortium's scientific progress in its main research priority areas, namely, rice with a low glycemic index and higher resistance to blast disease, during TRRC’s biennial meeting within the Conference.

Pressing issues affecting temperate rice, such as germplasm exchange, which faces a challenging situation in widely spread temperate areas, and cold tolerance, as a response to low temperatures driven by climate change, were also discussed.

Outgoing Steering Committee chair Russell Ford, director of Australia's RLF Agro R&D Consulting, urged the TRRC to develop strategies and opportunities to advance research on traits that address the relevant qualities in temperate rice.

TRRC steering committee members and collaborative partners from key institutions of temperate rice research worldwide attended the conference.