RGA – A new breeding method for rapid advancement of breeding cycle in rice – Do more with less

Abstract

Quick development strategy is needed to breed new high yielding rice varieties to meet the increasing rice demand. Especially in the climate change scenario, the rapid replacement of cultivated varieties is taking place because of increasing the pressure of biotic and Abiotic stresses. So fast development and release of high yielding varieties is the pressing need. Generally, to develop a new variety takes around 10 to 12 years through conventional breeding such as pedigree method. A new breeding technique called Rapid Generation Advancement (RGA) can accelerate the rice breeding process. In RGA, segregating populations are grown at close spacing, low nitrogen and high temperature and short days to shorten the breeding cycle thus making possible five generations (F5) in two years. The RGA method has been successfully used to shorten the breeding cycle in crops like tomato, chickpea, soybean and rice. Adoption of the accelerated breeding method has major implications in rice breeding program such as rapid attainment of homozygosity, reduce the space, time and resources for varietal development. Faster variety development contributes significant economic benefits to the farming community.